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Before start of the tournament, all talk was about which group of women were going to inspire their team to victory and hold the bragging rights for being the best in the region.
Being the host, Mumbai went in to the competition as favourites and lady luck seemingly their 12th man weaved her magic as two teams from their group, Ahmednagar and Bhandara pulled out of the tournament.
After a splendid high octane 11 day carnival of football in the scorching Mumbai heat, the best team, as always came out on top. For the third year running Mumbai clinched the title and thoroughly deserved it. The team was led from the front by Captain Juhi Shah and Coach Durva Vahia, pulling their team across the finish line as champions.
The opening ceremony was as grand as the football that was about to follow. The tournament was inaugurated by Shri Aditya Thackeray, chairman of MDFA along with WIFA Hon. Gen. Secretary, Souter Vaz, WIFA CEO, Henry Menezes, MDFA President, Digambar Khandalkar and other MDFA Executive Committee members.
Coming into the tournament in a rich vein of form, Mumbai completely outclassed Aurangabad who just could not cope with the level of football that was being hurled at them. They were in control of the game right from the very first minute of the double header against Aurangabad. Midfielder Kimberley Fernandez proved to be their catalyst, controlling the game with assists and goals. In the other group, Kolhapur side proved their worth with convincing victories over Jalgoan, Amravati and Gondia.
Nagpur scraped through and reached the semifinals after a hard fought goal less draw against Dhule where they faced Pune who had comprehensively beaten Satara over the two legs. The Pune v/s Satara double header saw history books written with hat tricks scored by Hiba Faquih, Muriel Adam and Smriti Girish. The matches were the most entertaining as the crowd witnessed some mesmerizing football from the Pune side.
In the first semifinal, Mumbai took on Kolhapur. Having played three matches and the time to prepare for a sterner test against Mumbai, Kolhapur was expected to put up a tough fight. However, Mumbai dispatched them with ease to stake claim for the trophy in the Finals.
The second semifinal, was a topsy – turvy affair with Nagpur scoring first and putting the pressure on Pune. With the experience and players in their ranks, Pune leveled the match. Nagpur held on to take Pune into the tiebreaker. Pune’s 100% conversion rate from the penalty spot made sure they advanced to the big stage.
The Finals was termed as the clash of the titans with Mumbai taking on Pune for the 4th consecutive year. As always the tactics took over with Pune employing a three at the back to quell the attacking nous of Mumbai.
Having played together for the Maharashtra state team, players from both teams looked to exploit weaknesses and use them to their advantage.
Right from the off, both teams stifled each other and struggled to create chances. Mumbai were let off the hook with Pune captain Alisha striking the crossbar with a well struck free kick.
Strategy as always played a big part with Mumbai Coach Durva Vahia bringing on super sub & former India U-14 Captain Karen Pais. She proved to be the catalyst as Mumbai went on to score the opening goal. Pune with a strong head and fighting spirit took the game to Mumbai.
With the pressure mounting, Mumbai defended deep and looked to hit Pune on the counter. Pune strikers were culpable to blame as they failed to convert from the chances created. Pune with the lion share of chances failed score in the dying embers of the game as the final whistle brought down the curtain on a pulsating and electric Final.
Afreen Peerbhoy was awarded the Player of the Tournament award as a well-planned and well fought tournament came to a close.
Already looking forward to next year when I hope to get my hands on that trophy. Winning isn’t everything, but working towards it is.
Ms. Hiba Faquih | May 31, 2016
