ONGC did not have it easy and had to work hard as they managed to produce two goals in the second period to overcome a spirited Central Bank of India 2-0 in an Elite Division match of the MDFA Leagues 2018-2019 and played at the Cooperage ground on Friday morning.
The Central Bank outfit consisting of talented youngsters produced a strong fighting display and managed to match their superior opponents and the first half finished goalless.
However, after changing ends, the defending champions ONGC broke the Central Bank resistance when their attacking midfielder Arif Shaikh beat the rival goalkeeper Ummed Nat in the second minute of the second half. ONGC struck once again when their consistent striker Sunil Lohar found the mark in the 87th minute to seal their win.
In another match, former champions Air India soared to a 5-1 win against Central Railway. Air India striker Allan Dias netted a fine hat-trick while seasoned Santosh Koli and Scott D’’Souza netted one each for the airmen. Central Railway pulled one back through Chetan Waghela.
At the Mumbai Football Arena, Millat FC scored at the death through Rayyan Shaikh in the second minute of additional period to snatch a 3-3 draw with U. Mumba FC in another Elite Division encounter.
Karan Kapoor struck a brace of goals and Mayur Surve got one for U Mumba, while Millat FC scored the other two goals through Somesh Thakur and Aniket Shipe.
Results – Elite Div: ONGC 2 (Arif Shaikh 47, Sunil Lohar 87) beat Central Bank of India 0.
Air India 5 (Allan Dias 3, Scott D’Souza, Santosh Koli) beat Central Railway 1 (Chetan Waghela).
U. Mumbai FC 3 (Karan Kapoor 2, Mayur Surve) drew with Millat FC 3 (Somesh Thakur, Aniket Shipe, Rayyan Sheikh).