Valencia D’Mello played the lead role scoring twice in guiding Mumbai Knights FC to an authoritative 3-1 win against Warrior of Kolhapur in the 4-team play-off league match of the Maharashtra State women’s football league played at the Cooperage football ground, Thursday. The champions of this competition will qualify for the AIFF Indian Women’s Football League.
Mumbai Knights captain Abeer Arsiwala and Sanya Patil of Warriors of Kolhapur fight for ball possession
Later in the second match, opportunistic goal-scorer Sasmita Behera dished out another inspiring performance scoring twice, one in each half, as PIFA Sports (Colaba) FC cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win against Kenkre FC. Payal had give PIFA the lead in the 17th minute before Sasmita scored the second in the 33rd minute and the third in the 89th minute to seal the win.
Mumbai Knights defender Nidhi Shetty and Arati Katkar of Warriors of Kolhapur challenge for the ball
Strong contenders for the title, Mumbai Knights started in aggressive fashion and Valencia scored two quick goals in the fourth and seventh minute to put her team in a strong position.
The Kolhapur girls fought on gamely and managed to cut the deficit as their captain Mrunal Khot foung the back of the Mumbai Knights net in the 33rd minute.
Results – Play-off: Mumbai Knights FC 3 (Valencia D’Mello 4th min, 7th min, Priyanka 70th min) beat Warriors of Kolhapur 1 (Mrunal Khot 33rd min).
PIFA Sports (Colaba) FC 3 (Payal 17th min, Sasmita Behera 33rd min, 89th min) beat Kenkre FC 0.