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Dhule, May 30 – In an exhilarating clash between Mumbai and Pune, the WIFA Inter District Championship reached its pinnacle as Mumbai emerged victorious with a resounding 5-0 triumph in the final showdown. The match, held in Dhule, showcased the exceptional skills and determination of both teams.
The first half witnessed a tightly contested battle with no goals, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. However, Mumbai unleashed their full potential in the second half, unleashing an onslaught of goals that left Pune stunned. Leading the charge was the remarkable Niall Goghavala, who stole the show with a sensational second-half hat trick, displaying his prowess as a formidable striker.
The breakthrough for Mumbai came in the 49th minute when Niall Goghavala found the back of the net, igniting the fire within his team. With relentless determination, he added two quick goals in the 56th and 67th minute, leaving the Pune defense in disarray. Not to be outdone, Jess Bhobe showcased his skills and contributed to the scoreline with a well-deserved goal in the 77th minute. Finally, Gururaj Mane sealed the victory for Mumbai with a remarkable goal in the 90th minute, putting the game beyond reach for Pune.
With the final whistle, Mumbai clinched the championship title, lifting the trophy amidst jubilant celebrations. Their exceptional teamwork, tenacity, and outstanding performances throughout the tournament made them deserving champions.
Furthermore, individual accolades were bestowed upon some exceptional players. Gaurang Surve from Mumbai earned the title of Best Goalkeeper, displaying exceptional shot-stopping abilities and playing a crucial role in his team’s success. Arjun Singh of Pune was honored as the Player of the Tournament, recognizing his outstanding contributions and consistent performances throughout the championship. Additionally, Niall Goghavala was awarded the Top Scorer of the Tournament, tallying an impressive eight goals, a testament to his remarkable goal-scoring prowess.
The coaching staff of Mumbai played a pivotal role in guiding the team to their remarkable victory in the WIFA Inter District Championship title. Led by team manager Siddharth Sabapathy, they displayed exceptional organizational skills along with Head Coach Sameer Kapoor’s tactical acumen and ability to motivate the squad were instrumental in shaping Mumbai’s impressive performances on the field. The expertise of goalkeeper coach Nesarullah Khan contributed to Gaurang Surve’s outstanding displays between the sticks earning him the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The Western India Football Association (WIFA) commends all the participating teams, coaches, and players for their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the tournament. The WIFA Inter District Championship has once again showcased the immense talent and potential of junior football in the region.
