Maintaining their winning form Bombay Republicans registered their second successive win defeating Sports Authority of India (SAI) 4-1 in a Super Division match of the MHAL League 2017-2018, at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Friday.
Republicans, who had scored a shock 3-2 win against formidable Western Railway last Wednesday, showed better understanding and teamwork to clinch the win. After a barren first half, SAI broke the deadlock with Sadiq Mohd finding the target in the 38th minute. However, the Republicans outfit made a strong reply and scored four goals through Bhushan Khanorkar (44th min), Aamid Khan (56th min), Nikhil Pardeshi (63rd min) and Kushal Meghwah 67th min) to complete the victory. Republicans have six points from four matches, while third was the second straight loss for SAI.
Later in a match of fluctuating fortunes, Indian Navy and Western Railway shared honours in an exciting 4-4 draw. Navy started with a bang scoring two goals inside the first 8 minutes through Ved Prakash (4th min) and Rana Pratap (8th min). But Western came roaring back and scored four goals on the trot during the first session to take a commanding 4-2 half-time lead. Rajan Kandulna scored a brace of goals (14th & 34th mins), while Manjinder Singh (17th min) and Vinod Kumar Singh (35th min) got the other two goals. However, a determined Naval outfit fought well and struck two goals in the second half with Pratap scoring his second and the team’s third in the 60th minute, before Mohit S. Thakur fired in the equaliser in the final minute to snatch a draw and maintain Navy unbeaten record in four games. Navy have 10 points from 3 wins and today’s draw, while Western has a solitary point from two games.
Republicans forward Aamid Khan and Indian Navy’s Mohit Thakur were named winners of the ‘Man of the Match’ awards in their respective matches and both received a cash award of Rs 1,000 each.
On Saturday, Bombay Republicans will meet Maharashtra State Police at 4.00pm.
Results: Bombay Republicans 4 (Bhushan Khanorkar 44th, Aamid Khan 56th, Nikhil Pardeshi 63rd, Kushal Meghwah 67th) beat Sports Authority of India 1 (Sadiq Mohd 38th). MoM: Aamid Khan (Bombay Republicans).
Indian Navy 4 (Ved Prakash 4th, Rana Pratap 8th, 60th, Mohit S. Thakur 69th) drew with Western Railway 4 (Rajan Kandulna 14th, 34th, Manjinder Singh 17th, Vinod Kumar Singh 35th). MoM: Mohit S. Thakur (Indian Navy).