Goalkeeper Lihaz Koya with some outstanding performances hogged the limelight and saved the day for Mumbai Customs and helped them to emerge Elite Division champions. The Customs custodian Koya saved a penalty in the first half and then made three saves in the tie-breaker to enable his team clinch a 3-1 win against last year’s runners-up Air India in the Elite Division final of the Rustomjee-MDFA League 2018-2019 and played at the Cooperage ground, on Saturday. The match finished in a goalless draw.
The victorious Mumbai Customs players are seen in jubilant mood after emerging Elite Division champions in the Rustomjee MDFA League 2018-2019. Customs defeated Air India 3-1 via the tie-breaker in the final on Saturday.
The former champions Air India for the second successive year had to settle for second best as they had lost to ONGC in the final last season.
The summit clash witnessed a keen tussle for supremacy as both teams tried to gain the ascendancy. They both created chances but the strikers from either side were unable to capitalize on the opportunities that came their way and the match ended in a goalless stalemate. Koya blocked Air India’s Rinaldo Fernandes penalty kick towards the end of the first session and then made three saves in the penalty shootout duel which enabled Customs clinch the top honours.
Meanwhile, Customs successfully converted through seasoned Praneel Mendon, Pawan Rawat and Joshua Vesaokar to seal their win while only Shubham Mane managed to convert for Air India.
Meanwhile, Central Bank of India defeated U. Mumba 1-0 to finish in third position. Consistent goalscorer Yogesh Kadam struck the decisive winning goal in the 52nd minute.
Results – Elite Div (finals): Mumbai Customs 3 (Praneel Mendon, Pawan Rawat, Joshua Vesaokar) beat Air India 1 (Shubham Mane) via the tie-breaker. Full-time: 0-0.
Third place: Central Bank Of India 1 (Yogesh Kadam 52nd) beat U. Mumba 0