Air India wins a thriller to lift RCF Nadkarni Cup title
18th February 2018, Mumbai: Air India produced a sensational comeback in the dying moments of the match to edge past Union Bank of India (UBI) 2-1 in the 111th RCF Nadkarni Cup final at RCF Ground (Chembur) on Sunday evening. With this triumph, Air India has successfully defended their title.
Right from the beginning. Air India looked dangerous and more comfortable on the ball than Union Bank of India. But, unfortunately, they couldn’t manage to be clinical in front of goal for the majority of the match. In the first-half itself, they struck the post a couple of times.
Both the sides didn’t manage to take their opportunities as they went into the break without scoring a goal. In the second-half, Union Bank of India raised their intensity and started to bother Air India’s backline. Substitute Sameer Swamy made a huge impact after coming on for UBI as it was him in the 65th minute who got fouled inside the box by Arvind Raj which earned UBI a penalty.
Scott D’Souza stepped up and calmly converted his penalty to put UBI’s noses in front. Here within, the whole course of the game changed. The pace and intensity of the final drastically increased. UBI pushed forward in hope to double their while Air India was under huge pressure as the time was running out.
A couple of minutes later, Scott could have doubled the lead when Ranjeet Pandre set up him with a delicate pass. But Scott’s powerful attempt whispered past the post which could have surely sealed the final had it gone in. UBI’s missed chances became Air India’s gain.
Coach Godfred Pereira introduced Vijith Shetty in the last fifteen minutes who went on to play a crucial role in turning around the match. The experienced midfielder’s presence boosted Air India as the defending champions firmly took control of the game. The patience paid off when Rinaldo Fernandes’ well-timed cross from the right flank was beautifully headed past UBI’s goalkeeper Prathamesh Baban by Vinod Pandey in the 87th minute.
Suddenly, UBI was on the back foot. After holding their counterpart for almost the whole match, UBI started to crumble after conceding the equalizer. With the match heading towards a nervy penalty shootout, it was Rinaldo Fernandes’ moment of brilliance in the fourth minute of stoppage time when he danced past UBI’s defense to score a spectacular solo goal to win it for Air India.
The former Mumbai Customs’ striker was undoubtedly the best player on the field yesterday. Meanwhile, UBI was left to wonder how they didn’t manage to beat Air India after coming so close to lift the trophy. Nevertheless, it was the first time this season where Air India was taken to the edge by a team. Credits must go to UBI for holding Air India for almost the whole match.
UBI’s striker Ranjeet Pandre, for his wonderful performance throughout the campaign, received the best player of the tournament award. Surely, a final which would be remembered for years.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…