Rahul Academy wins it for Rehan

NAGPUR: Tragedy struck Rahul Academy minutes before their summit clash in the NDFA 2nd division football league outside the Hislop College ground on Thursday morning. To their credit, players of Rahul Academy captured the crown with 6-5 win over Al-Aziz Sports Club in the sudden death. Not much celebration followed the win though as the players headed straight to Mayo Hospital.
Just 30 minutes before the kick-off of the title clash two Rahul Academy players met with an accident at the Hislop College square when a car hit their bike.While Rehan Khan - who was supposed to play the final as a forward - suffered serious head injury, Rajat Yerpool, a substitute, had some fractures. But it was not the end of Rahul Academy's woes. A rough tackle on the field saw Saket Temburne a mid-fielder fracturing his elbow in the 15th minute.
Thankfully, the day ended on a happy note for the Rahul Academy as despite missing two important players they became the second division champions. They will be placed in the first division of the NDFA league next year. After both the teams scored a goal each till the regulation period, Rahul registered triumph in the penalties.
As early as in the second minute Cristopher Peter drew the first blood for Rahul Academy while a 20th minute strike by Amir Patel set the scores at par for Al-Aziz Sports Club.
In the tie-breaker, both the teams scored four goals each. In sudden death Kaunain Abbas made most of his attempt for Rahul Academy, Mohammad Saqlain failed to find the target for Al-Aziz.
With this triumph Rahul Academy took home Rs 11,000 in cash and a trophy but the players were seen in a hurry to meet their ailing mates. Unaware about the condition of their striker all the Rahul players dedicated the victory to Rehan Khan.
Both Rehan and Rajat are said to be out of danger in the evening, their team mates are hoping for the best for their mid-fielder Saket, who is supposed to be operated on Friday.