AIFF Regional Academy 2 (Stany Braganca 49’, 89’)

beat

Air India 1

(Parma Singh 32’)

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Two second half goals by Stany Braganca capped a remarkable comeback for the AIFF Regional Academy, Navi Mumbai as they pulled off a 2-1 win over Air India FC at the Fr. Agnel’s Sports Complex in Vashi. 

The Academy outfit, currently competing in the Under-19 I League where they lead the Maharashrta Qualifying group with three wins in as many games, started with an experimental side with a focus on providing some much-needed match experience to the reserve players.

Air India took the lead in the 32^nd minute following a communication lapse between the AIFF custodian and the central defenders which allowed striker Parma Singh to capitalise on the error and strike home from close range.

On to the second half and the introduction of substitute Stany Braganca into the game brought a substantial change in the AIFF attacking setup.  

After releasing Harpal Singh with a precision through ball in the 47^th minute which was well saved by the Air India keeper, the striker was at hand to level the scores in the 49^th after a glancing header off Japes Singh’s cross from the left flank.

With the scores level, both teams pressed forward in search of the equaliser creating good chances throughout the course of the half.

The winner arrived barely seconds before the final whistle. With the goalkeeper off his line, Stany unleashed a long-ranger which travelled a good forty yards before ending up into the back of the net.

The AIFF Academy now take on Pune FC under-19 in a crucial league game of the I-League u-19 at the same venue on February 6, 2014.