In a definitive show of dominance, Don Bosco International (Matunga) comfortably secured a 3-0 victory over JB Petit (Fort) in a girls U-16 second division match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament held at the St Francis D’Assisi football ground, Borivli, on Friday. The match saw Don Bosco maintain control from the outset, effectively ending any challenge from their opponents.
Nakeesha Walia emerged as the star of the match, scoring two of the three goals and leading her team with a remarkable performance. She was ably supported by Aditi Sakaria, who added a third goal to the tally, sealing a clear and emphatic win for Don Bosco. Throughout the game, Don Bosco appeared to be a well-oiled machine, seamlessly executing their strategies and keeping their opponents under relentless pressure.
Right from the first whistle, Don Bosco appeared to be in total control, imposing their style of play and dictating the tempo of the match. They enjoyed a significant territorial advantage, consistently pressing forward and creating opportunities while also fortifying their backline to thwart any attempts from JB Petit to penetrate. This territorial dominance was not merely a factor of their physical presence but also a testament to their tactical acumen, which saw them override every challenge posed by JB Petit.
Nakeesha Walia’s first goal came as a direct result of this pressure. In the 12th minute, she received a precise square pass from the left and, with composed precision, broke the deadlock by slotting the ball past the JB Petit goalkeeper. This goal was a pivotal moment in the match, underlining Don Bosco’s superiority and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
JB Petit struggled to find their rhythm, hampered by a lack of coherence in midfield. Their difficulties in maintaining possession and constructing meaningful plays resulted in their inability to transition the ball effectively out of their half. This persistent struggle led to a series of defensive errors, which Walia and Sakaria were quick to exploit.
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These critical errors at the back proved to be costly for JB Petit. In quick succession, Don Bosco capitalized on the Fort outfit’s defensive lapses, with Walia swiftly adding another goal to her tally and Sakaria further extending the lead. The coordinated efforts of Don Bosco’s attacking players were instrumental in punishing JB Petit’s disjointed defense, leaving no room for a comeback.
Despite their best efforts, JB Petit’s midfield and forward line could not conjure any significant threats to the Don Bosco goal. Their struggles were compounded by a sturdy Don Bosco defense that remained resolute and organized throughout the match. The end result was an exemplary performance by Don Bosco, who accumulated three well-deserved points from the fixture.
The earlier match of the day saw Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) lock horns with Gopal Sharma International (Powai) in a contest that ended in a goalless draw. Both teams fought hard, but neither could find the back of the net, resulting in the points being shared.
Don Bosco’s victory over JB Petit not only showcased their prowess but also their development as a team capable of executing game plans to perfection. Their ability to settle quickly into the game and exert pressure from the onset indicated a high level of preparation and confidence.
As the tournament progresses, Don Bosco remains a formidable force in the U-16 second division, with their latest victory serving as a testament to their skill and tactical intelligence. On the other hand, JB Petit will need to go back to the drawing board to address their shortcomings and regroup for the upcoming fixtures.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to be a platform where young talents are tested and showcased, and Friday’s matches were a clear representation of the competitive spirit and skill inherent in these young athletes. The performances of teams like Don Bosco highlight the quality of youth football and the potential for these players to make significant strides in the world of sports.
