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Goalkeepers Uzair Ansari and Vinay Singh, both with some brilliant antics under the bar stole thunder helping their clubs Young Boy’s, Madanpura and Springfield FC, Vashi respectively, advance to the First Division finals of the MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association) League 2012-13.
In the first semi-final, the Madanpura custodian made two superb diving saves in the penalty shootout to see his team put it across Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana, Santacruz 4-2, at the St. Xavier’s ground, Parel, on Thursday. The full time score was goalless.
In the second semi-final played later in the evening, goalkeeper Vinay proved equally proficient under the bar and also made two brilliant saves to help Springfield, Vashi rally from a first half deficit to overcome St. Sebastian, Chembur 4-1 via the penalty shootout duel.
The Madanpura side converted four of their five attempts through Souvaid Ansari, Haris Ansari, Fahad Ansari, and the highly experienced Arif Ansari. In contrast, Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana managed to score only two goals through Mikhail D’Sa and Jess Jacinto.
Later in the evening, Springfield striker Vernon Saldanha scored in the second half to cancel out Rylan Soares’ first half goal for St. Sebastian. In the crucial tie-breaker, Springfield scored from their first three shots taken by Nikhil Gupta, Saldanha and Mayur Bhabal. St. Sebastian succumbed to nerves as they failed with the first three tries. Manish Punjabi and Savio Correira saw their kicks saved by goalkeeper Vinay and later Russel D’Souza hit the crossbar.
The final and third place matches will be played on Sunday, April 7.
Results – at St. Xavier’s ground, Parel – First Div: Young Boys, Madanpura 4 (Souvaid Ansari, Haris Ansari, Fahad Ansari, Arif Ansari) beat Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana 2 (Mikhail D’Sa, Jess Jacinto) via the tie-breaker.
Springfield SC, Vashi 4 (Vernon Saldanha 2, Nikhil Gupta, Mayur Bhabal) beat St. Sebastian, Chembur 1 (Rylan Soares).
