The Essendon India team were marginally edged by the team representing Pakistan – the Pakistan Shaheens.
The match took place at the Golden Square Football Club in Bendigo in very cold and windy conditions. The match was organised as part of the AFL International Cup’s ‘Community Round’, and also a result of footy fans from Bendigo embracing India and Indian footy players for over the last couple of years – a journey which was started by AFL and Golden Square FC Chaplain Bruce Claridge.
The match started with Pakistan taking the lead but India came back strongly. The match was intense and highly competitive as both teams were desperate to better the other. It was a see-saw battle till the last minute as the game swung both ways a number of times. Pakistan won it 4-6-30 to 3-3-21 with Abhi Kalia, Abdul Ashraf and Amar Bara scoring the three goals for India. A massive improvement for India from the scoreline between the two countries back in 2014.
The Indian team put in their best throughout the match with a number of its key players out injured including the Captain Sudip Chakraborty and ace defender Pachamuthu Selvam. It was a match that could have gone either way but unfortunately for India, it went to Pakistan. However, there was a festive atmosphere as both teams had huge support.
There was a big turnout at Golden Sq FC as a lot of the local Australians also showed up to witness the mega clash and cheer for both the teams. This match definitely lived up to its expectation for the Community Round.
During AFL International Cup 2014, the Pakistan Shaheens team had dominated the Indian team completely with the entire squad comprising of Pakistanis brought up in Australia, but this time that was not the case according to the IC17 rules. However, visa issues saw the Shaheens having to rope in majority of locals once again. The Indian boys were obviously disappointed but they were also motivated to perform even better in the next game on Tuesday against Indonesia.
A big shout out to Golden Square Football and Netball Club (GSFNC) for hosting the Indian team and being their pillar of support along with Essendon FC. Special thanks to the football community in Bendigo who hosted the team for a week before the tournament and provided wonderful memories for the boys.
The Indian team would also like to thank its sponsors Essendon Football Club, Air India, Boots For All and Jeeta Caterers, who helped the Indian team to come out to Australia and put up a show.
