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The Maharashtra Zone of I-League U19 Tournament kicked off at Goans Sports Ground, today. There are five teams in this zone: Mumbai FC, Pune FC, PIFA, Kenkre Sports & AIFF Navi Mumbai Academy. The teams will play each other on a home and away basis with the winner of this league phase will qualify for Phase two of the tournament.
The first game saw two of Mumbai’s premier academies go head to head against each other. The game started off well with both teams having their fare share of possession. It was evenly balanced going into half-time and looked like the score would remain goalless. This was not to be however, as Arish Sutaria slotted it home just before half-time to give Kenkre the lead.
PIFA came out strong in the second half and got their rewards when Valentine Pereira equalized with a neat finish in the 58th minute. Thereafter, both teams, created chances but failed to convert.
In the end it was Shaun Fernandes who netted home in the 68th minute to give Kenkre the lead and the win in their opening game of this tournament.
The next game is tomorrow at Fr. Agnel’s Ground, Vashi with Mumbai FC taking on home team, AIFF Navi Mumbai Academy, Mumbai. Kickoff is at 3:30pm
