A spirited HDFC Bank players displayed good understanding and coordination and worked as well-knit unit to record an authoritative 3-1 win against the experienced Central Bank of India in an Elite (Corporate) Division match of the Mumbai Football Association (MFA) League 2022-2023 and played at the Neville D’Souza ground, Bandra.
HDFC Bank striker Siddhesh Butavle scored a brace of goals and Sanket Shinde added one to secure their win while Central Bank of India scored one through Numan Ansari.
Both Central Bank and HDFC Bank made their intentions clear from the outset and played an open attacking game. But, HDFC Bank strikers did well to capitalize on their chances that came their way and held dominance. In contrast, Central Bank managed to create openings but were once again found guilty of being prodigal in front of the rival citadel.
HDFC Bank midfielders and strikers showed excellent teamwork and from a snap move Butavle fired home the opening goal in the 15th minute. Central Bank of India managed to fight back and cancelled out HDFC Bank’s lead when striker Numan Anasri hit the target in the 37th minute. However a minute later, HDFC Bank regained the lead when Shinde scored from another smart move. HDFC Bank continued to press forward and in the first minute of added time Butavle scored his second and the team’s third goal and went into the break with a 3-1 lead.
In the second session, both teams failed to score a goal and the scoreboards remained unchanged with HDFC Bank coming out worthy winners. Central Bank of India’s Mukesh Rathod was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for dissent by word with referee Sanket Bawiskar in the 85th minute. Rathod was earlier shown the yellow card for a reckless tackle in the 69th minute.
In Women’s Super League matches, Future Stars riding on Punam Kumari’s lone striker got the better of South Mumbai United by a narrow 1-0 margin. However, Future Stars win was soured as central midfielder Pooja Gupta for abusive language was shown the red card by referee Manbeer Singh in the 79th minute.
Later, Young Guns FC charged to an easy 3-0 win against Bodyline SC 0 in another WSL match. Striker Minakshee Bhagat, Lian Mathews and Vidisha Sawant, all scored one goal apiece to complete the win.
Results – Elite Div: HDFC Bank 3 (Siddhesh Butavle 2, Sanket Shinde) beat Central Bank of India 1 (Numan Ansari).
Women’s Super League: Future Stars 1 (Punam Kumari) beat South Mumbai United 0.
Young Guns FC 3 (Minakshee Bhagat, Lian Mathews, Vidisha Sawant) beat Bodyline SC 0.