On a thrilling day at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, the boys from DG Khetan International School, Malad, etched their name in glory by clinching the U-16 third division title in the prestigious MSSA inter-school football tournament. Their hard-fought victory came at the expense of a spirited St Anthony’s High School, Malwani, with the final scoreline reading 5-4 after a tense tie-breaker on Wednesday.
The match was a showcase of strategic resilience and tactical acumen, with DG Khetan’s defensive line holding firm against relentless offensive pressure from their opponents. St Anthony’s boys launched a series of aggressive attacks throughout the match, but DG Khetan’s disciplined defenders proved too resilient to break. This unyielding defensive display set the stage for the intense shootout that ultimately decided the winner.
The penalty shootout was nothing short of dramatic. DG Khetan demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, with players Daksh Jamnani, Ishaan Nay, Aaroush Bardeshkar, Hridhaan Hanoa, and Ethan Sequeira successfully converting their shots from the spot. Not to be outdone, St Anthony’s matched their intensity, with Daksh Koli, Jeet Naike, Devesh Koli, and Krishit Koli finding the net for their team. However, with one more successful conversion, DG Khetan secured their well-deserved victory.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Norbert D’Souza, the coach of DG Khetan, expressed confidence in his defensive unit. “I was confident of my defensive line-up as they played well throughout the tournament,” he commented, highlighting the hard work and determination that carried them to victory on the day. On the opposite side, St Anthony’s team manager Ronnie D’Souza acknowledged the effort and skill of his team, despite the narrow defeat. “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,” he said with optimism for the future.
Earlier in the day, Thakur Public School showcased their prowess by securing the third-place position after a convincing 5-0 victory over RN Podar. Thakur’s goals came courtesy of talented players like Arnav Singh, Aadi Tembulkar, Reyansh Patil, and Apurva Sahani, with an own-goal adding to their tally.
The atmosphere at St Francis D’Assisi ground was electric, laden with the palpable tension of competitive football. Parents, teachers, and fellow students filled the stands, lending fervent support to their respective teams. For DG Khetan, the triumph serves not only as a testament to their skill and organization on the field, but also as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young footballers within their ranks.
Both teams demonstrated an exemplary level of sportsmanship throughout the tournament. While DG Khetan basks in their glory, St Anthony’s can take immense pride in their performance, rallying to a formidable challenge despite undergoing only a month of rigorous training under the UK United Sports Academy.
The tournament brought to light numerous promising talents, offering a glimpse into the potential of these young athletes and the bright future of football at the grassroots level in Mumbai. Each participant’s dedication and passion embodied the spirit of the game, with raw energy and enthusiasm resonating throughout the pitch.
As the dust settles on this exhilarating contest, the memories of this competition will undoubtedly drive these young sportsmen to strive for excellence in future tournaments. DG Khetan’s triumph at the MSSA inter-school football tournament serves as a significant milestone, celebrating not only their victory but also the growth and development of school-level football in the region.
