Indian Navy regained the Super Division crown after they defeated Central Railway SA 7-6 via the penalty shootout tie-breaker in the final of the MHAL League 2018-2019 and played at the MHAL Stadium, Churchgate on Wednesday. Defending champions Central Railway after trailing 1-3 struck two quick goals as the match finished in a 3-2 draw.
The victorious Indian Navy players are in jubilant mood as they pose with the Super Division trophy and the MHAL President Mangha Singh Bakshi, Hon. Gen. Secretary Ram Singh Rathor and other Executive Managing Committee members.
In the penalty shootout contest, Navy custodian Tidu Reydan made two crucial saves while his teammates converted all their first four attempts to emerge victorious. Pawan Rajbhar, Ved Prakash, Nitesh Singh and Partik Singh successfully converted for Navy, while only Victo Singh, Basavaraj Ambigera and Mohd. Nizamuddin managed to score for Central. Rajendra Pawar and former international Yuvraj Walmiki were denied by goalkeeper Reydan.
The determined Navy outfit started in whirlwind fashion and Rana Pratap hit the target in the very sixth minute to give his team an early advantage. Later, Mohit Singh put the finishing touch to a fine move down the left to double Navy’s lead in the 23rd minute. Three minutes later, Central cut the deficit when Victo Singh slapped home from close following an indirect penalty corner drill.
After changing ends Navy scored their third goal through Jugraj Singh’s powerful drag-flick from a short corner in the 48th minute.
Central started to show more urgency and created a series of scoring opportunities but lack of finishing was their undoing. However, Yuvraj scored twice to put the railwaymen on level terms. In the 50th minute he converted a penalty stroke and eight minute later scored from a narrow angle.
Results (Super Div (final): Indian Navy 7 (Rana Pratap, Mohit Singh, Jugraj Singh, Pawan Rajbhar, Ved Prakash, Nitesh Singh, Partik Singh) beat Central Railway 6 (Victo Singh 2, Yuvraj Walmiki 2, Basavaraj Ambigera, Mohd. Nizamuddin) via the penalty shootout tie-breaker. Full-time: 3-3.