Air India Under-19 emerged supreme by defeating GM Sports Club 3-1 via the tie-breaker in the final of the Mumbai District Football Association organised Dr. Nitu Mandke Memorial Trophy ‘Republic Day’ football tournament 2017, and played at the St. Xavier’s ground, Parel on Thursday. The final, contested between two young outfits witnessed an absorbing battle and finished in a goalless draw.
The champs Air India Under-19 players pose with the winner’s trophy along with Chief Guest, Jaya Shetty (centre), a former Indian kabaddi player and Hon. Secretary of Karnatak SA and MDFA Executive Managing Committee members at the prize distribution function
However, the Air India youngsters who were dominant throughout managed to win the battle of nerves as the successfully converted through Advait Shinde, Ashwin Ahire and Elvis Rodrigues to clinch the title. GM Sports Club could only converted one through Hitesh Patel.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Air India blanked Cenrury Rayon 2-0 while GM Sports overcame Dena Bank 3-2 via the penalty shootout tie-breaker after the game ended goalless.
The victorious Air India team received the ‘Champions’ trophy and a cheque of Rs 30,000 from Chief Guest, former Indian kabaddi player and Hon. Secretary of Karnatak SA, Shri Jaya Shetty. GM Sports were presented with the runners-up trophy and a cheque of Rs 20,000 by Geoffery Menezes, MDFA Vice-President.
Results – final: Air India Under-19 3 (Advait Shinde, Ashwin Ahire, Elvis Rodrigues) beat GM Sports Club 1 (Hitesh Patel).
Semi-finals: Air India 2 (Adnan Yaligar, Dinku Tomba) beat Century Rayon 0.
GM Sports Club 3 (Hitesh Patel, Krishna Sakat, Elson Maria) beat Dena Bank 2 (Usman Sayyad, Himanshu Patil).