Rafi wins it for Team India

LISBON: Riding high on Mohammed Rafi’s strike, India were back to winning ways after edging past Real Massama SC by a solitary goal in the second practice match of the week played at the Massama ground here at Lisbon on Thursday evening. 

Almost all the players who started off Wednesday’s encounter against Casa Pia AC were rested, with playing XI including Arindam Bhattacharya in the goal, Deepak Mondal, Mahesh Gawli, N.S.Manju and N. Mohanraj in the defence. 

James Singh, Baldeep Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadao and Clifford Miranda were the four midfielders, while once again Abhishek Yadav and Mohammed Rafi paired up front. 

Mohammed Rafi has been in sublime form throughout the practice matches and once again paved the way for the winning goal providing a perfect start to India’s proceedings. 

Abhishek Yadav essayed a pass to Rafi, which was neatly finished by the Churchill Brothers striker in the 7th minute. 

India continued to dominate in the first half and did play their hearts out in order to extend their lead, but had to go for the breather with a 1-0 precarious lead. 

After the lemon break, four substitutions were made; Mohammed Rafi and Abhishek Yadav were replaced by Baljit Sahni and Sushil Kumar Singh.  Govin Singh replaced Clifford Miranda, which saw N. S. Manju shifting on the left flank as lift wing half. Baldeep Singh made way for Rakesh Masih in the midfield. 

India held on to their one goal advantage and came out victorious with a narrow win. 

Playing XI: Arindam Bhattacharya, Surkumar Singh (Deepak Mondal), Gouramangi Singh (Mahesh Gawli), Anwar (N.S. Manju), Rahim Nabi (N. Mohanraj), Anthony Pereira, N.P. Pradeep (Mehrajuddin Wadao), Renedy Singh (Baldeep Singh), Clifford Miranda (James Singh), Abhishek Yadav , Mohammed Rafi (Sushil Kumar Singh)

Unused Substitutes: Subhasish Choudhary, Subrata Pal, Rakesh Masih, Steven Dias, Climax Lawrence, Samir Naik, Jagpreet Singh, Baljit Sahni, Govin Singh