Mumbai Strikers SC were unable to break a defiant Chheda Nagar defence in their first play off match held on March 31st at the St Xaviers Ground, Parel. The two teams went home with the share of the spoils as the score read 0-0. Mumbai Strikers SC are placed in the same pool as Chheda Nagar Prod and Bombay FC. Having lost the first match, Chheda Nagar Prods are out of contention for the semi-finals of the tournament.
In the first half, it seemed like an encounter that could go anyway as both the teams exchanged blows frequently. As mentioned earlier, the Chheda Nagar defence were defiant and never allowed the MSSC attack to convert their chances. The MSSC defence were equally stubborn as Chheda Nagar were threatening on a few occasions. MSSC were denied a controversial yet obvious penalty chance when striker Akshay D was tackled by the Chheda Nagar keeper. Akshay D did not give up after that as he had another chance in hand which went begging as it just missed the far post. The first half came to an end much to the disappointment of both teams.
The second half was no different but MSSC piled up the pressure on the opponents by creating chances over and over again. MSSC came closest to scoring when they won a free kick just near the penalty area. Midfielder Pranav M stepped up to take an exquisite free kick which unfortunately hit the crossbar and went out of play. Midway through the 2nd half, MSSC earned a corner which set up a header for Ravish D that was saved by the keeper but valiantly cleared off the line by one of the Chheda Nagar defenders. Striker Ravish D had the opportunity to take a shot on goal but it was cut off by an illegal tackle outside the box by Chheda Nagar goalkeeper who was eventually shown the red card. The full time whistle was nowhere close to music for both teams as they ended with a score of 0-0.
MSSC will now play their second play off match on the 4th of April against Bombay FC who have won their first match. This is a must win for MSSC in order to qualify for the semi-final round.