A youthful Sports Authority of India (SAI) did well to hold fancied Central Railway to a 2-2 draw in a Super Division match of the MHAL League 2017-2018, at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Tuesday evening.
SAI took the lead through Gurbinder Singh’s field effort in the 16th minute, but Central hit back with two quick goals to snatch the lead. In the 30th minute Rajendra Pawar converted a penalty stroke and three minutes later, Harmeet Singh scored a field goal as the railway outfit went in to the break with a 2-1 advantage.
After switching ends, SAI custodian Kunal Dhale made a series of fine saves to deny the Central attackers from adding another goal. But, just as Central seemed to be heading to victory, SAI scored a late equaliser through Dilip Pal in the 62nd minute to force a draw.
Central Railway moved back to the top position with 17 points the same as Mumbai Customs. The former with a better goal-difference of plus 17 as compared to Customs plus 11 lead the 9-team standings.
SAI now have 2 points from their second draw.
Sports Authority of India goalkeeper Kunal Dhale, was named ‘Man of the Match’ and he received a cash award of Rs 1,000.
On Wednesday, Mumbai Port Trust meet Maharashtra State Police at 4.00pm.
Results: Central Railway 2 (Rajendra Pawar 30th-PS, Harmeet Singh 33rd) drew with Sports Authority of India 2 (Gurbinder Singh 16th, Dilip Pal 62nd). MoM: Kunal Dhale (SAI – goalkeeper).