In a gripping display of determination and skill, Bombay Scottish (Mahim) has emerged victorious, clutching their first trophy of the season after a spectacular come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Cathedral & John Connon (Fort) in the boys U-16 MSSA Ahmed Sailor Cup final. The tense encounter, held at St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli on Wednesday, showcased the true spirit of football as the Bombay Scottish team valiantly battled adverse circumstances to secure the win.
The match began with early drama as Cathedral & John Connon’s captain, Rian Uniyal, put his team ahead in the 10th minute after converting a penalty kick. The penalty was awarded under contentious circumstances, as Bombay Scottish center-back Yashvir Shah received a red card for handling a shot on goal. This left Scottish one player down, casting doubt over their ability to respond effectively.
However, the misfortune seemed to galvanize the Mahim side, who dug deep into their reserves of resilience. Despite trying hard in the first half, they couldn’t find the equalizer and entered the break still trailing. When play resumed, Scottish emerged with renewed vigor, dominating ball possession and patiently working their way back into the match.
As the clock ticked away, it was Reuben Thomas who sparked the resurgence. The dynamic winger scored a crucial equalizer, instilling a wave of belief across his teammates and the supporters alike. Thomas didn’t stop there; moments later, he was instrumental in orchestrating the match-winning move. On a breakaway down the left flank, Thomas’s precise assist set up Yash Kapadia, who finished confidently to secure an unforgettable victory.
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Speaking with excitement post-match, Scottish coach Fahad Ansari expressed pride in his team’s mentality and ability to execute their strategy under tough conditions. “What impressed me most is the character and the mentality shown by the boys. In the first half, we did not play well, but in the second, we executed our plans perfectly despite being a man down and a goal down,” Ansari highlighted, lauding his players for their grit and determination.
While jubilation filled the Bombay Scottish camp, the aftermath was not as joyous for Cathedral coach Jayesh Solanki, who criticized the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) for poor scheduling, which he blamed for his team’s downfall. “Five of our main players played back-to-back basketball matches before coming to this final. The fatigue factor played a huge role here, particularly in the second half. The organizers [MSSA] need to look at proper scheduling of these inter-school matches. It’s sad for these players as they have worked so hard to reach this final,” Solanki declared, underscoring his concerns about player workload and match readiness.
The thrilling encounter at Borivli also saw Chatrabhuj Narsee School (Kandivli) clinch third place, as they triumphed over St Joseph Secondary (Orlem) 5-3 in a tie-breaker. In the nerve-wracking penalty shootout, Aarav Naik, Samit Mandhare, Anirvinya Sarkar, Soham D’Mello, and Aritra Upadhyay stepped up for Chatrabhuj Narsee, while Kaab Morriswala, Jess Bhobe, and Ibrahim Mohsin were on target for Orlem, providing a fitting conclusion to this year’s Ahmed Sailor Cup.
Bombay Scottish’s victory, orchestrated with exceptional skill by Reuben Thomas and expertly guided by coach Fahad Ansari, has set a high benchmark for inter-school tournaments in the city. As the final whistle blew, the Scottish side celebrated their hard-fought victory, cherishing the triumph over adversity and demonstrating that with persistence and teamwork, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
