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On Sunday, 27th November 2016, the Mumbai District Football Association Under-14 Youth League semi-final matches took place. After some intense drama that unfolded, on the day, MSSA and Mumbai FC progressed through to the final beating Goans and JJ Academy respectively. The two matches portrayed bright sets of talent, with highly competitive matches being played as the inaugural season of the league reached its second last chapter.
In the first semi-final, MSSA beat Goans 4-3 in the penalties. It turned out to be an enthralling game of football with both sides putting their maximum efforts to stake a claim in the finals. Both sides possessed with equal amount of chances, didn’t prove fruitful in normal time. The two goalkeepers stoodout, producing some fine saves even during the penalty shootout.
Despite starting poorly, the shootout turned in favour of MSSA as they converted consecutive spot kicks, with Goans misfiring. Kris Benson, Anson Tauro, Nihal Dudwadkar and Amey Kadam converted for MSSA, while Nilay Sole, Arya Giandharva and Ryan Shah excelled for Goans.
At the full-time result, MSSA players burst in joy as they warmly greeted the moment and thanked everyone. Goans found it tough to take in having come so far in the competition after some real fine performances over the course. With time and room for improvement, the side can prove to be much stronger as the time progresses.
The second semi-final between Mumbai FC and JJ Academy was hardly a contest as Mumbai FC dominated proceedings from the very off; despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise. Mumbai FC concluded the first-half with a dominant performance yielding two goals from Karm Mulchandani. Pratik Vaplkry in the second half reduced the deficit for JJ Academy, with another Mulchandani strike completing his hat-trick and tilting the game in Mumbai FC’s favour.
Mumbai dominated the game looking for more goals. A lapse in concentration saw JJ stike again through Vaplkry to reduce the deficit. The valiant effort at the end from JJ Academy failed to make an impact as Mumbai FC clinched victory.
The final between Mumbai FC and MSSA will be played on 4th December 2016 at Lions Municipal Complex 10:25 a.m. Prior to it there will be a third place match between JJ Academy and Goans at 8:00 a.m.
Results of the day (27thNovember 2016)
Lions Municipal Sports Complex
Semi – Finals
- MSSA beat Goanson penalties [4-3]
o Mssa – Kris Benson, Anson Tauro, Nihal Dudwadkar, Amey Kadam
o Goans – Nilay Sole, Arya Giandharva, Ryan Shah
- Mumbai F.C. beat J.J. Academy [3-2]
o Mumbai F.C. – Karm Mulchandani (x3)
o J.J. Academy – Pratik Vaplkry (x2)
Next Day Fixtures (4th December 2016)
Lions Municipal Sports Complex
3rd Place
- Goans v/s J.J. Academy at 08:00 am
Finals
- Mumbai F.C. v/s MSSA at 10:25am
