WIFA - The Western India Football Association

Maharashtra initiated the title march by thumping Rajasthan 4-0 in opener of the Qualifying Round of 71st Santosh Trophy at Rajmata Chunkumari Stadium, Waidhan – Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh.

After losing out on the championship last year, the team responded magnificently.

Right from the off they strangled the Rajasthan side and kept them bereft of any possession whatsoever. After failed attempts in the opening quarter of the match, some scintillating passing in the opposition half saw an opening for Shravan Shetty who finished with aplomb to give Maharashtra the lead.

Supporters expecting the flood gates to flow open were left disappointed as Rajasthan camped near their goal to deny any scoring sight.

Second half started in similar fashion as Maharashtra with the giant share of possession carved attempt after attempt to open the opposition defence. Abhishek Ambekar with his lightning pace and knack to find space in the opposition defence sent a rappelling shot into the bottom corner to double the lead and give Maharashtra an iron grip on the game.

Kiran Pandhare found space in the opposition box to score the 3^rd goal and establish the win. Astle Pereira, 2^nd half substitute playing his first tournament for the state, scored the 4^th goal to cap off an impressive game.

Gathering impressive momentum, illustrated by the manner in which they overcame a tight Rajasthan defence, they were starting to carry an air of impregnability.

The win served as a warning that Maharashtra was approaching the sort of form that carried them close to the title last season and this performance confirmed their growing confidence and stature.

Maharashtra has recaptured their intensity and energy and when this is bolted on to the quality provided here, it makes them a formidable prospect.

Godfred Pereira, Head Coach reflected on the match by saying,

“It is a massive victory, a very important three points. Tough game & we played some impressive football to set the tone, so the value of the victory is massive.”

“It makes us very proud and we showed character and were competitive. It is one step forward for the team and is important to keep going. Football is about belief.”

“We have shown we can challenge for the big things. We are in a good position.”

We face Gujarat in the final match of the group on 8^th January 2017 for Qualification into the final round of the tournament.

Result:

Maharashtra 4-0 Rajasthan
Shravan Shetty – 27^th min
Abhishek Ambekar – 57^th min
Mrunal Tandel – 72^nd min
Astle Pereira – 85^th min