Rhino trample Cafe Royal

MUMBAI, JUNE 9: Rhino Sports Club qualified for the last-four stage of the Air-India Trophy conducted by MDFA at the St Xavier8217;S Ground, Parel. In the quarter-finals today, Rhino beat Cafe Royal with the help of twin first-half strikes.

Rhino8217;s played a fast-paced game and were immediately rewarded with their accurate passing. In the second minute a powerful half-line shot by Utpal Kadam helped Rhinos into the lead as forward Raj Singh struck the first goal with a header into the far corner of the post.

Rhinos strengthened their lead further when in the 34th minute Ajit Kokate, off a pass by Ashish Bhoir, dribbled past two defenders and Cafe Royal custodian Rozan Irani to strike the second goal.

Cafe Royal did well to come back strongly in the second-half but in the absence of regular forwards Hasan Kamal and Fareez Vasania, their attack lacked sting.

Earlier in a MDFA Div III B league tie, lone strike by Vinod Swamy, saw Sahara Silver Stars pip BKM 1-0.