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Central Railway joined their counterparts Western Railway in the semi-finals of the MDFA RCF Nadkarni Cup Football Tournament. Giving a good account of themselves and playing with plenty of determination, Central managed to pull off a creditable 1-0 win against Harwood League champions, ONGC in a quarter-final clash at the RCF Sports Complex ground, Chembur on Friday evening.
After a barren first half, the railwaymen’s left wing back Kishore Chaudhary fired home the only goal of the match early in the second session.
Central Railway did well to match their I-League opponents ONGC in every department. They combined well in both attack and defence and were rewarded for their efforts.
The lone goal came about when Chaudhary, overlapping on the left channel picked up a pass and unleashed a snap rasping drive from the edge of the area. The shot struck a defender and took a wicked deflection which sent goalkeeper Bilifang Narzary going the wrong way.
ONGC picked up steam in the final quarter and dominated proceedings. But they were unable to convert their chances. Their attackers were foiled by the Central defenders and goalkeeper Pradeep Kumar who played a stellar role in their victory with some brilliant saves in the second half.
Central will now play the winner of Saturday’s fourth quarter-final contest between Mumbai Customs and PIFA Colaba FC in the semifinals on Tuesday, October 16.
Results- Nadkarni Cup (quarter-finals), at RCF ground, Chembur: Central Railway 1 (Kishore Chaudhary 54 min) beat ONGC 0.
