In an exhilarating display of young football talent and defensive prowess, DG Khetan International School from Malad has been crowned the boys U-16 third division champions at the Mumbai Schools Sports Association’s inter-school football tournament. The tightly contested match, played at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Wednesday, saw DG Khetan narrowly edge out St Anthony’s High School from Malwani. The gripping final concluded in a nail-biting 5-4 victory for DG Khetan, decided by a penalty shootout after a deadlock in regulation time.
The victory for DG Khetan was largely built on a robust defensive performance. Throughout the match, St Anthony’s relentless attacking style posed a constant threat, but DG Khetan’s backline stood resolute under the guidance of Coach Norbert D’Souza. The defensive unit’s steadfastness was crucial in stifling St Anthony’s attacking attempts and maintaining the stalemate. “I was confident of my defensive line-up as they played well throughout the tournament,” said D’Souza, acknowledging the vital role of the defense in their success.
As the match reached its climax with no goals in regulation time, the tension escalated to a thrilling penalty shootout. DG Khetan’s shooters Daksh Jamnani, Ishaan Nay, Aaroush Bardeshkar, Hridhaan Hanoa, and Ethan Sequeira each held their nerve to convert their spot-kicks successfully. Meanwhile, for St Anthony’s, Daksh Koli, Jeet Naike, Devesh Koli, and Krishit Koli also found the back of the net. However, DG Khetan’s precision and composure ultimately secured them the victory by the slenderest of margins.
St Anthony’s coach, Ronnie D’Souza, expressed both disappointment and optimism following the match. Despite the loss, D’Souza highlighted the significant achievement of making it to the finals, given the recent commencement of their training program under the UK United Sports Academy.
. “It’s only a month since the UK United Sports Academy began training the St Anthony’s boys, so reaching the MSSA final itself is a big achievement. Next time, we’ll be champions,” stated D’Souza, praising his team’s quick adaptation and promising potential for the future.
In other matches that took place earlier in the day, Thakur Public School showed remarkable prowess by defeating RN Podar with a decisive 5-0 scoreline to secure third place. The team demonstrated dominant play as Arnav Singh, Aadi Tembulkar, Reyansh Patil, and Apurva Sahani all found the target, with an additional own-goal contributing to their convincing victory.
The tournament showcased the immense talent among budding footballers in Mumbai, with schools across the city participating and bringing intense competition to the field. For many spectators and young athletes alike, the MSSA tournament is seen as an essential platform for showcasing football skills and competing at a city-wide level.
The DG Khetan team’s journey to the top was not just about defensive strength but also teamwork and consistent effort throughout the tournament rounds. Under the seasoned guidance of Coach Norbert D’Souza, the team overcame various challenges and displayed significant resolve and tactical acumen.
Football in schools serves as an important developmental milestone for young athletes, offering them the chance to learn teamwork, strategy, and the thrill of competitive sports. The experience these young players gain in such tournaments is invaluable for their growth both on and off the field.
The thrilling finale at St Francis D’Assisi’s ground will be remembered by all as a fitting conclusion to an intense tournament that brought out the best in school football, drawing large crowds and showcasing the bright future of sports in Mumbai’s schools. While DG Khetan basks in their hard-earned triumph, other schools will reflect on their performances and look forward to future prospects, fueling the spirit of competition and camaraderie among Mumbai’s school football fraternity.
