Defending champions Air India made a strong, solid statement as they scored an authoritative 8-1 victory against promoted outfit Mumbai Strikers 8-1 in the opening match of the MDFA Elite Division League 2017-2018, and played at the Cooperage ground on Saturday.
Strikers Pratik Koli and Aaron D’Costa both played the lead roles with two strikes each, while seasoned Santosh Koli, Rinaldo Fernandes, Ashkar C.V. and Kiran Pandhare, all four contributed one apiece to round off the winning margin as Air India started on a high. Ravish D’Souza got the lone consolation goal for the new comers Mumbai Strikers.
In the next round, Union Bank of India take on Karnatak Sporting Association on Sunday at 3.45 pm.
Results – Elite Div: Air India 8 (Pratik Koli 1st, 20th, Aaron D’Costa 12th, 40th, Rinaldo Fernandes 32nd, Santosh Koli 35th, Ashkar C V 81st, Kiran Pandhare 87th) beat Mumbai Strikers 1 (Ravish D’Souza 18th).