Strong challengers Central Bank of India produced another sterling performance and scored a stunning 1-0 win against last year’s runners-up Air India in an Elite Division Group-B play-off match of the Rustomjee-MDFA League 2018-2019 and played at the Neville D’Souza ground, Bandra on Tuesday evening.
The former champions Central Bank, who had defeated GM Sports Club 2-0 in the previous match, maintained the winning momentum and prolific striker Yogesh Kadam did the start turn by scoring the decisive winner for the bankers in the second session to secure their second straight victory.
Oft-crowned champions Air India faced quite a strong fight from Central Bank who played with plenty of grit and determination and did well to finish the first half with honours even as the scoreboard remained blank.
However, midway through the second session, Central Bank managed to break the deadlock when Yogesh showed good anticipation as he timed his jump perfectly to get to the end of Raj Bhoir’s free-kick and firmly head home past Air India goalkeeper Aditya Mishra in the 67th minute and to give his team the crucial lead.
Thereafter, Central Bank were resolute in defence and hung on to their lead. Goalkeeper Nitin Kotiankar made some fine saves to deny the Air India attackers from getting the equalizer and force a draw.
Central Bank, having last won the League in 1991-92, now tally six points and are virtually assured of making it to the semi-final from this group. They complete their group fixtures with a match against Kenkre FC on April 29.
Air India has two matches remaining against GM Sports Club (April 20) and Kenkre FC (April 26) and has to win both the games to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Results – Elite Div (play-off): Central Bank of India 1 (Yogesh Kadam 67th) beat Air India 0.