AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: A 37^th minute strike by winger Prasanth K proved to be the decider as the AIFF Regional Academy edged past Elite Division outfit Rashtriya Fertilizer and Chemicals Sports Club (RCF) 1-0 at the Fr. Agnel’s Ground, Vashi.

In what was the last game as part of the Preparatory Camp for the Academy team’s participation in the Chandigarh All India Youth Football Championship next week, the boys put in yet another gritty display against their physically stronger and tough tackling opponents.

The boys took the initiative early on, creating some good inroads in the final third, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Captain Nishu Kumar led by example with an impressive contribution over the ninety minutes and was instrumental in orchestrating the team’s opener.

Picking up a loose ball in midfield, the defender’s inch-perfect cross released Prasanth on the left flank. With the defenders hot on his heels and the keeper rapidly closing him down, the winger unleashed a powerful strike that rocketed into the near post to give the academy a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The victory was the Academy’s third in as many games against the Chemur based outfit, having beaten them 2-1 and 3-1 on previous occasions.