Mumbai Strikers SC recorded a gutsy win against Maharashtra State Police in their Do or Die third play-off match of the Super Division on the 28th of February at the Goan Sports Association Grounds. The Strikers beat MS Police by a scoreline of 3-1 to qualify for the semi final for the second consecutive year. Having lost the first match against DECA, this has been a brave comeback from MSSC this season.
MS Police were favourites in the encounter as they held a record of convincing wins in the group stage and play-offs. They were in for a surprise as they had little time on the ball as the Strikers attacking half closed them down quickly. The defense were kept busy throughout but did not give in easily. The Mumbai Strikers found their moment of glory when midfielder Arsalan H released a splendid overhead pass which gave enough space to striker Akshay D. Akshay scored his first goal of the season as he placed the ball into the far post leaving the MS Police keeper no chance of getting it. His first goal of the season came in good time for the Strikers. The Cops did not take long to equalise as they converted a corner kick within ten minutes of the MSSC goal. After the equaliser, the game turned aggressive as the MS Police squad found it difficult to play their normal game. The first half ended 1-1 and it was all or nothing from there as the Strikers had to win to qualify safely.
The second half began with a bang as a careless tackle by the Police defender earned Ravish D a penalty kick. Ravish D confidently buried the ball into the net and MSSC were in the driver’s seat once again as the score read 2-1. The game got even more aggressive as the MS Police lost the plot in the game. However, it did not affect the Strikers as a text book assist from MS defender Rakesh P helped Ravish D grab his second of the game. MSSC sealed it there and with ten minutes to go they held on as MS Police piled up the attack and got the defense busy. One occasion it looked like the Police outfit pulled one back but a double save from MSSC keeper Leon M kept the two goal lead safe.
The final whistle emphasized the authoritative win of the Strikers over the favourites and the full time score read 3-1. MSSC topped the play-off group with 6 points and progressed into the semi-final which will be held on the 3rd of March.