BAFF down Moira
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
MAPUSA, NOV 23
A convincing display from BAFF ensured that they marched on as they defeated AA de Moira 4-0 in GFA’s Third Division play-off at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Tuesday. BAFF led 1-0 at the lemon break.
Moira were reduced to ten men in the 61st minute when young striker Peter Menezes received his second yellow for dangerous play. Peter was one of the most consistent strikers in the qualifiers and with him off the field it made Moira’s mountain even steeper to climb.
BAFF did well to keep the Moira forward line in check. Vishnu Mandrekar played as a lone striker for the majority of the game, with his midfield moving forward efficiently.
Moira created chances but could not find the net. A couple of defensive lapses allowed their opponents to steal in and punish them.
In the 10th minute, BAFF’s Masoor Khan rattled the post with a rasping shot after the Moira custodian Lue Fernandes saved the initial shot.
In the 27th, BAFF took the lead through Vishnu Mandrekar who walked through the Moira defense and received a return ball from Deelip Gaonkar before slotting home.
Two minutes after the breather, BAFF doubled their lead through Masoor Khan who blasted in from the right side after Moira lost the ball cheaply in midfield.
Minutes later, BAFF looked threatening again but this time the cross bar came to Moira’s rescue after a shot from Vishnu.
At the other end, Peter received his second yellow and was sent off. From this point on, Moira continued to shift around players in search of a goal but the team looked like a jigsaw puzzle missing a couple of pieces.
Fifteen minutes from end, Prasad Parab tapped into an empty net after the Moira keeper saved Amit Gaddi’s attempt for BAFF’s third.
In injury time, BAFF captain Sunil Naik struck the final nail in the coffin after shooting in from close range.
