Mumbai Strikers SC continued their dream run in the Division One of the Mumbai Football League by beating a highly rated Goregaon SC 2-0 in the Semi-finals. It was a dream come true for each member of the squad including Coach Firmin D’souza as they are just one step away from championship glory. MSSC will compete for the Cup against Millat FC who also have had a stupendous run in the league.
MSSC walked onto the field knowing they had a tough nut to crack in Goregaon SC as they included good ball players and were known for their great passing ability. The match started off with great pace as Goregaon SC began doing what they were known for. It really took some time for MS players to get a hang of their strategy as they exhibited some great passing skills and kept them on their toes. They began creating chances and put some pressure on the MS defence. MS seemed to be under threat of conceding when one of the Goregaon strikers slammed a volley on target which was calmly collected by MS keeper Leon M. But that was not the only chance as they came close to scoring when a first post effort was saved by Leon M again. They took the MS defence to task by also trying some long range efforts which were not on target. After a few minutes, MS attacked with some conviction and vigorously went for the target but were unable to convert in spite of reaching their penalty area. It was a goalless encounter up to half-time.
In the second half, MSSC came all guns blazing and with a strong intention of making chances count. MSSC almost got a penalty awarded which was turned down by the referee as striker Akshay D was knocked down by a rash tackle in the area when he had a clear chance on goal. Not something that MS players were not used to, but the appeal for a penalty was completely rejected. That did not stop the fire power as Akshay D made a terrific run into the area only to find his attacking companion Ravish D who placed the ball at the far post and broke the deadlock which was a relief for all. Goregaon SC then seemed to have completely lost the plot and conceded another goal in a few minutes. Ravish D ran on the flank and a classic overhead pass found super sub Saurabh S who slammed the ball into the net with his left foot leaving no chance for the keeper. From hereon, MS forced the issue and did not get complacent at any point in time despite a 2-0 lead. Ravish D almost got a second for himself when a pass from Akshay D found him unmarked but hit the crossbar and came back into play. The MS defence held on the last few minutes with long clearances and protected the healthy lead as well as their golden chance to march into the finals. At the final whistle, it was nothing but joy and celebration for MSSC as they won 2-0 and qualified for their first ever final in a Division.
Mumbai Strikers SC will now play the grand finale against Millat FC and are preparing with full focus on what would be their first ever championship title.