Bombay Scottish, Mahim, has secured a place in the boys’ under-16 Division I final of the prestigious MSSA inter-school football tournament. Their path to the final was paved with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Cambridge School, Kandivli, in a thrilling semi-final clash held at the St Francis D’Assisi football ground, Borivli on Monday. The reigning champions are now gearing up to meet Don Bosco, Matunga in the final, a team that they will surely consider formidable opposition.
The semi-final match, played in the afternoon, saw both teams putting up a commendable fight. Bombay Scottish, though dominant in their overall gameplay, especially shone towards the end of the first half. The match proved to be a rather tactical affair, with both teams initially battling it out in the midfield, testing each other’s defensive mettle.
The game’s opening goal came through an unexpected route—a Cambridge defender inadvertently sent the ball into his own net nine minutes into the game. This happened following a meticulously taken free-kick from the left side by Bombay Scottish’s captain, Raghav Kanodia. This own goal gave Bombay Scottish an early lead and shaped the dynamics of the game. Cambridge, clearly stunned by this turn of events, nevertheless continued to push forward, showing determination and resilience despite the setback.
Bombay Scottish’s second goal was nothing short of spectacular. It was once again their captain, Raghav Kanodia, who increased the tally. Demonstrating his prowess and influence in the midfield, he unleashed a powerful long-range strike. The ball flew into the net, leaving the Cambridge goalkeeper helpless. This brilliant piece of individual skill showcased why Kanodia is considered one of the most impactful players in the tournament.
Cambridge had their moments and displayed encouraging signs throughout the match. Despite being two goals down by halftime, they continued to play with a positive attitude. They crafted several promising opportunities but seemed to lack the clinical finish required to convert their chances into goals.
. Their play was marked by spirited attempts and good coordination, yet the elusive goal remained a dream.
In contrast, Bombay Scottish seemed to struggle slightly in the second half. While they were able to maintain possession and control of the game, there were instances where they could have played much better, particularly in their finishing and offensive transitions. However, their solid defense ensured that their two-goal lead was never under serious threat.
This latest victory for Bombay Scottish has seen them earn a rematch in the final. Their opponents in the title clash, Don Bosco, Matunga, have themselves displayed impressive form throughout the tournament. Don Bosco secured their place in the final after a tense semi-final victory over St Stanislaus, Bandra, which was decided by penalties last week.
The upcoming final between Bombay Scottish and Don Bosco promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have a rich history in the MSSA tournament and are known for their aggressive style of play and tactical acumen.
As the defending champions, Bombay Scottish will be looking to retain their title, while Don Bosco will no doubt be keen to dethrone them and claim the crown for themselves. It will be a keenly contested match, with both teams having much to prove.
The performance of Raghav Kanodia, in particular, will be closely watched. His leadership on the field, combined with his knack for crucial goals, could very well be the key to Bombay Scottish’s success.
As the final approaches, both teams will be focusing on their preparations, analyzing their semi-final performances, and devising strategies to outplay one another. Fans and followers of the tournament can expect a high-octane clash that will showcase the best of inter-school football in Mumbai.
In conclusion, Bombay Scottish’s journey to the finals has been marked by tactical brilliance, individual skill, and a bit of fortune. Their clash with Don Bosco, Matunga in the final is eagerly awaited and promises an exciting culmination to the MSSA U-16 Division I tournament.
