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In a spectacular display of footballing excellence, Maharashtra’s football team secured a resounding 8-0 victory against Andaman & Nicobar in their Santosh Trophy Group F opener at the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Stadium.
The first half saw Maharashtra asserting their authority early in the game. Captain Nikhil Kadam, in the 19th minute, initiated the scoring with a well-timed tap-in off Johnson Mathews’ corner. The lead was swiftly doubled by Nikhil Kadam himself in the 21st minute, displaying finesse by lobbing the ball over the keeper.
Vice-captain Himanshu Patil joined the scoring spree in the 27th minute, showcasing his prowess with a stylish finish. Johnson Mathews further extended the lead with a strike past the keeper, before Himanshu taped in the fifth at the stroke of halftime.
In the second half, Maharashtra maintained their dominance. The 59th minute marked another goal as Johnson Mathews delivered a sublime cross, sending Himanshu Patil through on goal. While the Andaman defender initially held him back, Himanshu cleverly played the ball into the middle, where Advait Shinde executed a precise first-time finish, making it 6-0.
The 67th minute saw yet another brilliant set-piece execution. Johnson Mathews’ corner was met by Dhurwesh Nijap at the far post, and he converted with precision, extending the lead to 7-0.
The scoring spree continued in the 78th minute when substitute Sheikh Abid’s run and low cross were expertly converted by another substitute, Sanket Salokhe, sealing an emphatic 8-0 triumph for Maharashtra.
Maharashtra’s performance in the Santosh Trophy opener was a testament to their footballing prowess. The eight-goal spectacle and the impeccable defensive display they showcased set the stage for an exhilarating campaign in the Santosh Trophy
