U18 Y-League: Mumbai City FC and Iron Born FC cruises on opening day
by Siddharth Yadav October 16, 2018
On the opening day of U-18 Youth League (Maharashtra Zone), Mumbai City FC and Iron Born FC cruise safely to clinch all three points against Thane's Football School of India (FSI) and FC Pune City respectively at the Cooperage Stadium.
It was a tough test for the debutant Mumbai City FC, but they kept their composure in front of the goal to seal a 4-2 win, whereas, another debutant Iron Born FC sweep past FC Pune City 2-1 in an entertaining encounter.
Football School of India (FSI) 2-4 Mumbai City FC
Over the years, we have witnessed the likes of Mahindra United, Air India, ONGC, and Mumbai FC's Youth teams which have gone on to produce some of the best talents in the city. Yesterday, Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC started their own journey as they made their debut in the U-18 Youth League with a staggering display against FSI.
Under the guidance of Mohan Dass and Ahbaan Tumbi, Mumbai City FC scored four past FSI, courtesy Kamran Siddiqui's fine hat-trick which sealed a maiden win for the Islanders. After an aggressive start, MCFC deservingly took the lead through Abel Fernandes' spot-kick which was later followed up by another penalty.
Kamran Siddiqui took the responsibility and made up for his earlier one-on-one blunder with a neat penalty. A couple of minutes later, the lanky striker doubled his tally and bagged Mumbai's third goal of the game before going into the half-time break.
FSI came into the second-half more prepared than their counterparts and scored twice within ten minutes which made the game wide open. Zaid Khan pulled one back after MCFC's Goalkeeper Rahul made an error, followed up by Siddhant Chavan's glancing header on the hour mark. FSI pressed high up the pitch and almost leveled the score but Rahul made a spectacular save with his legs to keep Mumbai's hope alive.
Just when FSI took control of the game, a moment of brilliance from Shreyas Vatekar set up Kamran who poked from a close-range to complete his hat-trick and guide Mumbai City FC to victory.
Other results: Iron Born FC (Ashley Koli 59′ and Rudolf D'Souza 80′) 2-1 FC Pune City (Malsawmtluang 80′)
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