Borivli witnessed an exciting clash as Dr S Radhakrishnan (Malad) and St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) shared the spoils in a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the MSSA inter-school football tournament, held at St Francis D’Assisi ground on Wednesday. The match was defined by moments of brilliance, culminating in a last-gasp equaliser that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
From the onset, both teams displayed a blend of strategic play and youthful exuberance. In the 14th minute, Dr S Radhakrishnan’s star player, Yash Vishwakarma, capitalized on a well-executed free-kick by Josiah Chettiar. Vishwakarma’s impeccable timing saw him rise above the defense to head the ball into the back of the net, putting Radhakrishnan in the lead. This early goal set the tone for the first half, with Dr S Radhakrishnan holding the upper hand as they dominated possession and created several opportunities to extend their lead.
However, St Xavier’s resilience came to the fore in the second half. Despite falling behind, they regrouped and launched sustained attacks, showing their determination to claw back into the game. The Radhakrishnan defense held firm for long periods, fending off waves of attacks as their goalkeeper made several crucial saves to maintain their slender advantage.
As the clock ticked down and the final whistle loomed, the intensity ramped up. The defining moment came late in the second half, amid a frantic goalmouth scramble that had fans holding their breath. In the ensuing melee, St Xavier’s striker, Asil Mujawar, displayed quick reflexes and composure, tapping the ball into the net to secure a dramatic equaliser. The roar of the crowd echoed around the ground as the game ended in a 1-1 draw, a fair reflection of the spirited contest.
In an earlier match, the ground was witness to a one-sided affair as Navy Children (Colaba) steamrolled over Ryan International (Chembur) with an emphatic 10-0 victory. The match was a showcase of offensive prowess from Navy Children, who found the net repeatedly with an array of well-worked goals.
. Notably, Yatharth Bhatt, Nameesh Shah, and Himanshu Kumar each bagged a brace, demonstrating clinical finishing. Contributions from Yuvraj Gahlot, Arun Parmar, and Devraj Gupta added to the tally, with an own-goal from a Ryan International player compounding their woes.
Meanwhile, Thakur Public School (Kandivli) secured a straightforward 2-0 win over St Francis ICSE. Key players Aryan Bongane and Aadi Tembulkar were the heroes of the day, each finding the back of the net to guarantee all three points for their team. Thakur Public’s solid defensive display ensured their attackers’ efforts were not in vain, as they kept a clean sheet.
St Anthony’s (Malwani) also enjoyed a rewarding day, running out 3-0 winners against St Joseph’s (Juhu). The Koli trio—Christiano, Krish, and Daksh—were on target, each registering a goal to cement their team’s dominant performance. The victory was built on teamwork and efficacious execution of set plays, leaving St Joseph’s with little opportunity to mount a comeback.
Returning to the dramatic draw between Dr S Radhakrishnan and St Xavier’s, the match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. The equaliser, coming so close to the final whistle, underscored the essence of the game—the never-say-die attitude and the possibility for last-minute heroics. Both teams showed commendable skills and sportsmanship, setting the stage for an intriguing second leg.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to capture the imagination of young football enthusiasts and offers a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills. With more thrilling matches to come, the tournament promises to be an engaging spectacle for players and fans alike. As the teams progress, each match carries the potential for new narratives, with every goal and save contributing to the rich tapestry of school football in the region.
