In a thrilling spectacle at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, Mumbai, the reigning champions Smt. RSB Arya Vidya Mandir (AVM) from Juhu successfully defended their girls under-16 first division title in the prestigious MSSA inter-school football tournament. The team’s commanding 4-0 victory over Bombay Scottish (Mahim) has reaffirmed their dominance in the sport. This accomplishment follows their illustrious win last year, asserting AVM’s position as a powerhouse in youth football.
Earlier in the day, Rustomjee Cambridge (Dahisar) clinched third place by defeating their namesake counterparts from Thane with a 2-0 scoreline. Naomi Soans and captain Harshini Iyer were the stars of this match, each finding the back of the net to secure a deserved victory for their team.
As the sun set over the bustling sports facility, AVM’s squad stepped onto the pitch with palpable determination and confidence. AVM’s star striker, Vamika Udeshi, was in scintillating form, leading her team to a decisive triumph. Demonstrating remarkable skill and composure, Vamika scored twice, while her teammates, Radhika Vyas and Rhea Murudkar, each added a goal to the tally.
From the outset, AVM controlled the tempo of the game, weaving intricate patterns of play despite the challenging ground conditions brought on by intermittent rain. Their first breakthrough came early, in the seventh minute, when Vamika capitalized on a lapse by Scottish’s goalkeeper Vanshika Reddy, who couldn’t secure a long through-ball cleanly. This set the tone for the match, with AVM quickly settling into their rhythm, their passing game orchestrated masterfully by skipper Stuti Kothari and midfield dynamo Radhika Vyas.
As the first half progressed, AVM continued to mount pressure on the Scottish defense. This persistence paid off when Rhea Murudkar doubled the lead, seizing on yet another defensive error to slot the ball home. Just before the referee’s whistle for halftime, Radhika Vyas further extended their lead to 3-0, coolly converting a well-crafted pass from Vamika.
The second half was a continuation of AVM’s dominance.
. The team’s fluid play and strategic brilliance were epitomized by Vamika’s second goal. In a slick move down the right flank, she finished off a dynamic run set up by Norah Bhattacharya, highlighting the cohesive teamwork that has been the hallmark of AVM’s play throughout the tournament.
Coach Desmond D’Souza expressed his pride and satisfaction with his team’s performance. “I’m very happy with how my team played today, particularly given the tough ground conditions. I was confident of getting a positive result from this summit clash as we had studied our opposition well and executed our plans to counter their game plan,” he stated.
In contrast, Bombay Scottish’s coach, Abdulla Ansari, graciously acknowledged the superior play of their adversaries. “AVM are a really good team with technically sound players. We need to work on our tactical aspects,” remarked Ansari, signaling his aspirations for future improvements in his team’s game.
This tournament also saw Rustomjee Cambridge from Dahisar secure third place honors earlier in the day with a compelling 2-0 win over their Thane namesakes. The match was evenly contested at first, but goals from Naomi Soans and skipper Harshini Iyer sealed the win, adding to the team’s commendable run during the competition.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament has once again showcased the extraordinary talent within Mumbai’s school football circuit, highlighting young athletes who have shown exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and dedication. This year’s edition, despite the periodic interruption by rain, brought out the best of the participating teams, providing a platform for these young talents to shine and gain valuable exposure.
As the chapter of this year’s under-16 girls’ first division tournament concludes, the spotlight firmly remains on AVM’s remarkable achievement. Their strategic play, technical prowess, and unyielding teamwork have set a new benchmark for excellence. The anticipation for next year’s tournament is already building, with many eager to see if AVM can maintain their winning streak or if new challengers will rise to the occasion. Regardless, this year’s championship has left an indelible mark, inspiring many young athletes across the city.
