In a riveting final held on Friday at the historic MSSA ground in Azad Maidan, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School from Bandra clinched the prestigious girls U-12 Division-II title in the MSSA inter-school football tournament. Their hard-fought victory over Jamnabai Narsee International School from Juhu came from a singular but magnificent goal that sealed their 1-0 triumph.
The match was defined by tension and strategic play, with both teams showcasing their prowess on the field. The Ambani girls, however, demonstrated a superior ability to create opportunities, leading the charge from the outset. Midfielder Olivia Harris became the star of the final as she netted the decisive goal in the seventh minute. Making an audacious run through the middle, Harris unleashed a stunning strike that rocketed into the top corner of the net, leaving the opposition goalkeeper with no chance to react.
Though the school from Bandra dominated possession and had numerous chances to expand their lead in the second half, they were unable to convert these opportunities into further goals. Their attacking spirit, however, remained intact, constantly keeping the pressure on their opponents. Jamnabai Narsee, on the other hand, found themselves on the back foot for most of the match, struggling to penetrate the solid defensive line set up by the Ambani school.
One of the highlights of the game was an outstanding performance from Ambani’s goalkeeper, Hrisha Badheka. Midway through the second half, in what could have been a turning point, the Jamnabai girls managed an aggressive push towards the goal. Yet, Badheka rose to the occasion, stretching to her left to make a remarkable save, preserving her team’s slender lead. Her consistent displays throughout the tournament culminated in a memorable performance during the final, securing the victory for her team.
Post-match reflections highlighted the teamwork and preparation that had been key to Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School’s success throughout the tournament. Their coach, Eudes Kinny, expressed pride in his players, praising their ability to maintain composure under pressure and express themselves on the field.
. “This team has combined well throughout the tournament. In the final, it was close but we clearly had the better opportunities and should have scored more. Our goalkeeper Hrisha has been consistent throughout and played very well today too,” Kinny stated.
Jamnabai’s coach, Brendon Santos, provided insights into his team’s performance, admitting that they failed to fully execute their game plan. “We should have made better use of the flanks and had more width in our play. Despite having possession, we were not able to create more chances and that was disappointing,” Santos reflected. Their inability to create more clear-cut opportunities played a significant role in their downfall against a disciplined and eager Ambani side.
The outcome of this thrilling final not only resulted in a championship win for the Ambani school but also saw both teams being promoted to the first division for the next season, a testament to their overall performances throughout the tournament.
In the fixture earlier that day, the battle for third place saw Christ Church School from Byculla securing a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan School from Malad. Misbah Khan, the captain of Christ Church, emerged as the standout player by scoring an inspiring hat-trick, leading her team to a well-deserved third-place finish. Despite a spirited attempt from the Malad team, they managed to reduce the deficit only with a lone goal from Ishanvi Kenkare.
This season of the MSSA inter-school tournament has been a showcase of young talent and competitive spirit. The girls’ U-12 Division-II has particularly highlighted the growth and enthusiasm for football among young athletes, setting a promising precedent for future competitions. As these teams progress into the first division, both coaches and players alike will look forward to building on their successes and experiences gained in this challenging and exhilarating season.
