The atmosphere at St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, was electric yesterday as the Girls’ Under-16 Second Division of the MSSA inter-school football tournament unfurled a series of thrilling matches. The day was dominated by outstanding performances, particularly by Cathedral and John Connon (Fort), alongside Apostolic Carmel (Bandra), both of whom registered emphatic victories in their respective league matches.
The day’s football action kicked off with Cathedral & John Connon delivering a stunning performance against Little Angel (Sion). The game saw captain Aishee Biswas and her striking partner Sharanya Kheruka achieve remarkable hat-tricks, steering their team to a commanding 6-0 triumph. Interestingly, it was a closely contested match initially, with Cathedral and John Connon managing a slender 1-0 lead at the half-time break. However, the second half painted a different story as the Fort school duo unleashed a flurry of goals, leaving Little Angel’s defense in disarray.
Later in the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to captain Adelia Picardo of Apostolic Carmel. Displaying exceptional skill and precision, Picardo netted a hat-trick against Podar International CBSE (Powai), contributing significantly to her team’s 4-0 victory. Pratiksha Naik also added her name to the scoresheet, completing the tally and further cementing Apostolic Carmel’s dominance in the match. Picardo’s performance was pivotal, as she single-handedly dismantled the opposing defense, showcasing her goal-scoring prowess.
While the aforementioned matches were decidedly one-sided, the day wasn’t devoid of closely contested battles. A notable mention goes to the clash between Don Bosco International (Matunga) and Pawar Public School (Kandivli). Don Bosco International emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in a match that could have swung either way. Anoushka Gangwani’s long-range free-kick was a highlight, leaving spectators in awe. Adding to the scoreline was Nakeesha Walia, who took advantage of a goalkeeping error to secure the second goal for her team.
. Pawar Public School showed a commendable fight in the second half but ultimately couldn’t overturn their misfortunes.
These matches showcased the incredible talent and tenacity of young female footballers, each bringing their unique style and energy to the pitch. Cathedral and John Connon, and Apostolic Carmel, in particular, distinguished themselves with their cohesive team play and relentless offense. The resounding victories by these schools have not only pushed them forward in the tournament but also set a high standard for the matches to follow.
Moreover, the MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to be a significant platform for schools to exhibit their footballing talent. Coaches and scouting agents present at the ground were notably impressed with the skill levels on display. The tournament, known for nurturing future stars, lived up to its reputation once again by offering a stage where young athletes could shine.
The tournament organizers have ensured that all COVID-19 protocols were strictly followed to guarantee the safety of players, staff, and spectators. The excitement continues to build as the tournament progresses, with many eagerly awaiting the knockout stages, expected to bring even more thrilling encounters.
In conclusion, the MSSA inter-school football tournament’s latest round of matches left a lasting impression. Cathedral and John Connon, with their impeccable teamwork and strategic play, alongside Apostolic Carmel, led by the formidable Adelia Picardo, have stamped their authority early in the competition. As the competition heats up, fans and followers eagerly anticipate further electrifying performances from these school girls, whose passion for football is undeniably evident. The MSSA tournament continues to serve as an inspiring melting pot of future talent, promising a bright future for Indian women’s football.
Thus, as the sun set over the St Francis D’Assisi grounds, the echoes of cheers and the brilliant display of footballing skills reminded everyone why school football tournaments hold such a dear place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts.
