Nationals claim maiden DSA title

For Nationals, the title did not come easily as they had to fight a gruelling battle for about 100 minutes after both sides were locked to 1-1 at the end of the regulation and extra time.

Nationals surged ahead in the 31st minute when, on a throw from Joy Paul Raj, Amarjeet Sahani lobbed to Shyam Kumar on right who promptly headed in. But trailing 0-1 at half-time, Shastri returned more organised. They were lucky to earn a free-kick just outside the box after Nationals captain and defender Abdul Waqar dangerously tackled Bhupinder Thakur. Emmanuel, who took the free-kick, passed it on to Bernard Job who relayed it to Arif. The move blocked Nationals goalkeeper Prosanta Bimal’s view and Arif utilised the opportunity to score the equaliser.

But Nationals appeared determined as they played to a plan while Shastri looked confused and panick-stricken. Shastri’s only plus point was their defence which helped hold their rivals thus far. Ravinder Singh and Hisham Ali played exceptionally well. For Nationals, Shyam Kumar, Joy Paul, Sahni and Adedji Anthony Adeyemi spearheaded the attacks.

The DSA took the oppotunity to honour Olympians Peter Thangaraj and Mohd Yousuf Khan and the late Delhi soccer star Yousuf Baba. Meanwhile, S. Halder and Mobin (Hindustan), Shyam Kumar and Joy Paul (Nationals), Bishwanath Deb and Athisham (Shastri), Amit and Innocent (Youngmen) were rewarded with shoes for their fine efforts during the league.