Central Bank of India and Kenkre FC, both scored hard-fought wins to advance to the quarter-final round of the MDFA annual Independence Cup football tournament, and played at St. Xavier’s ground, Parel on Sunday.
In a first round encounter, Central Bank overcame a spirited Millat FC 2-1 and later in the day, Kenkre riding on Athang Kanekar doubles strikes tamed Young Boys 2-0. Central Bank’s ace striker Nadeem Khan played a stellar role by firing home both the goals, the first in the 11th minute and he added the second immediately on resumption, while Asif Khan scored Millat’s lone goal midway through the second period.
In other matches, former champions Mumbai Customs and Union Bank of India enjoyed easy outings. Customs powered by prolific scorer Deepak Irmali’s hat-trick went on record a thumping 6-0 win against Central Railway Mumbai Division, while Union Bank stormed to an emphatic 5-0 win against West Zone United.
Results (1st round): Union Bank of India 5 (Rohel Shaikh, Lenader Dharmai, Vinod Kumar Pandey, Mohammed Ishaq Shaikh, Digvijay Yadav) beat West Zone United 0.
Central Bank of India 2 (Nadeem Khan 2) beat Millat FC 1 (Asif Khan).
Mumbai Customs 6 (Deepak Irmali 3, Hekmat Singh, Ashrafali Makandar, Jinto Jose) beat Central Railway Mumbai Division 0.
Kenkre FC 2 (Athang Kanekar 2) beat Young Boys FC 0.