WIFA - The Western India Football Association

Navi Mumbai SA of Vashi defeated Kukri XI FC from Nerul 4-2 in the final of Thane District football league to lift the trophy

The inaugural edition of the Thane District Football league commenced in January this year after WIFA stepped in to form Ad-Hoc Committee.  The entire league is supported by the Western India Football Association – the governing body of football in Maharashtra.

The league was then held at Intra-District Championship level, to find the best teams. After successfully conducting the games at various locations all over the Thane district, the tournament entered its final stage where ten teams were divided into two groups. Four teams from the Navi Mumbai, four teams from Thane City and two teams from Kalyan – Ambernath fought it out on the pitch to conquer the ultimate championship.

In the semi-finals, NMSA played out a comfortable 3-0 win over Anjuman side from Thane while Kukri XI FC had to struggle hard to edge SP Football Academy on penalties after normal time resulted in to 2-2 scoreline.

In the final, NMSA took the early lead when Harsh Daya’s strike found the net in the 18^th minute; Sahil Gharat made it 2-0 at the half hour mark. But just when it seemed, NMSA had the game in control, Kukri XI fought back with a goal from Ahtesham Munshi. Minutes before half time, Harsh Day completed his brace to restore the 2 goal lead.

In the second half, Kukri XI pushed forward in search of goals and were soon rewarded when Ahtesham Munshi struck his second of the day. However, Aditya Dhumal scored the fourth goal for NMSA to once again put them in driving seat. The match ended in 4-2 scoreline as the NMSA lifted the trophy.

India International Rahul Bheke and Nikhil Poojary were in presence among the spectator during the final.

Match no. 13: Super League – Finals

NMSA FC (Harsh Daya 18’, 42’, Sahil Gharat 29’, Aditya Dhumal 64’) 4 – 2 KUKRI XI FC (Ahtesham Munshi 35’, 56’)