In a thrilling display of youth football, the Cathedral & John Connon School and Bombay Scottish have emerged victorious from their respective semi-final battles to secure a place in the highly anticipated Ahmed Sailor MSSA U-16 inter-school football tournament final. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and tenacity as they carved contrasting paths to this stage at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on a pulsating Thursday afternoon.
The first semi-final encounter saw Cathedral & John Connon face an intense challenge against the formidable Chatrabhuj Narsee School (CNS) from Kandivli. The game began with high spirits for Cathedral, as they stormed into an early lead. In just the third minute, Veer Kedia skillfully placed the ball past the advancing CNS goalkeeper, capitalizing on an exquisite through-pass from their captain, Rian Uniyal. This early strike meant Cathedral could dictate the pace, but CNS refused to be dominated easily.
As the match progressed into the second half, CNS regrouped and intensified their efforts to level the playing field. Their perseverance paid off when Riddhiman Singh struck a much-needed equalizer that electrified the crowd and rejuvenated the CNS squad. With the scoreboard reading 1-1 at full time, the match was destined for a nail-biting tie-breaker.
In the crucial moments of the penalty shootout, Cathedral’s captain Rian Uniyal rose to the occasion as a pivotal figure in the match. Not typically the first-choice goalkeeper, Rian stepped in, displaying remarkable talent in goal by making two vital saves. More impressively, he also successfully converted a penalty, showcasing his versatility and leadership. Alongside Rian, Cathedral’s other penalty scorers included Rayess Surti, Akshaj Singh, and Aditya Desai, securing their aggregate 5-4 victory. Meanwhile, CNS’s spot kicks came from Samit Mandhare, Anirvinya Sarkar, and Riddhiman Singh, reflecting their valiant efforts in a hard-fought match.
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The second semi-final presented a different story, as Bombay Scottish from Mahim delivered a dominant performance against St Joseph’s Secondary School situated in Orlem. The game initially saw a major surprise when St Joseph’s went ahead in the sixth minute, thanks to a well-executed goal by Jesse Bhobe. However, the early lead by St Joseph’s quickly initiated a fierce response from Bombay Scottish, who efficiently showcased their caliber on the field.
Wingers Reuben Thomas and Hriday Haria were in spectacular form, leading their team with precision and agility. Both players found the back of the net twice, contributing a brace each to overpower their opponents decisively. With a comfortable 4-1 victory, Bombay Scottish sealed their place in the final, and their triumph was a testament to their strategy and competitive spirit which have been evident throughout the tournament.
As the finals approach, the match-up between Cathedral & John Connon and Bombay Scottish promises to be a spectacle of talent, strategy, and youthful exuberance. Both teams have showcased resilience and extraordinary promise in their quest for championship glory. On one hand, Cathedral’s ability to thrive under pressure and their skilled execution in penalty situations adds to their fighting spirit. On the other hand, Bombay Scottish’s consistent and commanding performance through the tournament highlights their tactical superiority and unmatched teamwork.
The stage is set at the St Francis D’Assisi ground for what will undoubtedly be a captivating finale. Football enthusiasts and supporters from around the city will gather with high expectations to see which team will ultimately lift the coveted Ahmed Sailor trophy. As excitement builds, both teams gear up with one final chance to outshine and bring honor to their respective schools. May the best team win as young talents compete at the pinnacle of the U-16 inter-school football tournament.
