Ebi Sukore Theophilus, PC Lalwmpuia strike to help yellow-and-blue brigade score first-ever win over airmen and lift Nadkarni Cup.
Since its launch four years ago, Mumbai FC had not managed to beat Mumbai football’s powerhouse, Air India. Manager Henry Picardo, a former Air India player, kept dreaming of the result.
And that dream couldn’t have been realised at a better occasion than in the final of the Nadkarni Cup. Mumbai FC defeated Air India 2-0 to win the championship at the RCF ground, Chembur, on Monday.
Ebi Sukore Theophilus’s strike in the 40th minute followed by a superb back volley from striker PC Lalawmpuia in the dying minutes clinched the 104th edition of the tournament for Mumbai FC.
It looked like an I-League encounter more than a local tourney as both the sides play in the national tournament. The intensity was high as there was quality action and drama involved. Some comical errors from the referees added to the excitement.
However, they also raised question marks over some of the decisions taken by them. In the first half, a few Air India players argued with the referee over the rules during a free kick. However, it was resolved amicably.
For most of the opening period, both sides played equally well, making inroads into the opponent’s half but they could not capitalise on the opportunities that came their way.
Five minutes before the first half whistle, Air India’s Samson Singh committed a foul in the box, which resulted in a penalty kick for Mumbai FC. Ebi obliged by tapping the ball in without any difficulty leaving Air India custodian Kunal Sawant, a mere spectator.
Second half too had some interesting moments as the ball went over the horizontal bar quite a few times, but a 90th minute back volley strike from Lalawmpui finished the game in style in Mumbai FC’s favour.
Picardo, who was in-charge of the team in the absence of coach Khalid Jamil, was all praise of Lalawmpui.
“He is known for that. That goal from him sealed the game for us,” said Picardo.
He said he is happy, especially, because his team had defeated the power house of Mumbai.
“It was dream come true. Since our team was launched four years ago, we had never defeated Air India. Beating such a big and tough side gives you high. As far as winning the tournament is concerned, it will give us a boost before the I-League begins.”
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