Mumbai: A rejuvenated Air India returned to winning form and enjoyed smooth sailing as they soared to a facile 3-0 win against G.M. Sports Club in an Elite Division Group-B play-off match of the Rustomjee-MDFA League 2018-2019 and played at the Neville D’Souza ground, Bandra on Saturday evening.
Former champions Air India, having suffered a 0-1 reversal at the hands of Central Bank of India in the previous match, produced a much-improved performance and made their intentions of playing for a win as they went on the offensive from the start. They quickly snatched the lead when their roving striker Rinaldo Fernandes hit the target in the very fourth minute to put Air India in front, later Alllan Dias scored the second goal in the 20th minute to double the lead and go into the break with a 2-0 cushion.
In the second period G.M. Sports Club tried to create scoring chances but they were unable to get a clear shot at the rival goal. Air India consolidated their lead when their seasoned midfielder Vijith Shetty scored the the third goal in the 89th minute and complete the winning tally.
Air India with three points from two matches will have to ensure they defeat Kenkre FC in their final group match on Friday to keep alive their hopes of finish among the top two teams in the group and qualifying for the semi-finals. Central Bank with six points from two wins are presently in pole position while Kenkre will start their campaign on Tuesday with a game against G.M. Sports who have lost both their matches.
Results: Elite Div (play-off): Air India 3 (Rinaldo Fernandes 4th, Allan Dias 20th, Vijith Shetty 89th) beat G.M. Sports Club 0.
