Please view in portrait mode
Official Website of Western India Football Association
Santosh Trophy Qualifiers: Subs take charge as Maharashtra start off with a win

After a goalless first half, Maharashtra took charge of the game in the 2nd half courtesy of three goals from their 3 substitutes.

Both sides came into the game with lots at stake, Madhya Pradesh needing a win to put qualification to the table, having secured a point previously against Rajashthan while Maharashtra needed at least a draw to keep themselves alive in the tournament.

After a goalless 1st half where Maharashtra despite controlling the tempo of the game and creating numerous chances, failed to secure a goal. The second half began with Advait Shinde replacing Sanket Salokhe.

Early in the second half, Maharashtra earned a crucial penalty after Kiran was elbowed inside the box by MP Defender. Advait stepped up to take the spot-kick but the striker failed to convert his chance as the score remained 0-0. However, minutes before the hour mark, a left-footed shot from Aniket Panchal was saved but the rebound fell for Advait who made no mistake this time in converting it as Maharashtra took the lead.

As Maharashtra looked to consolidate the game, two more substitutions were made as Siddharth Colaco and Aimar Adam were brought in. Siddharth Colaco doubled the lead for Maharashtra in the 82nd minute before Adam converted his chance to make it 3-0 the very next minute.

The win puts Maharashtra in driving position to seal qualification spot with just a point needed against Rajasthan in the final group game of West Zone Qualifiers to be played on December 5th.