In what was an electrifying display of skill and determination, Our Lady of Health from Sahar secured a thrilling victory over St Joseph’s of Umerkhadi, winning the match 5-3 through a dramatic tie-breaker in the men’s open quarter-final at the prestigious 44th Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana annual rink football tournament. The high-stakes encounter took place late Thursday night at the WCG courts, where fans were treated to a match that will linger in memory due to its riveting end-to-end action and nail-biting finish.
Imran Shaikh was the indisputable hero of regulation play. He demonstrated an impressive flair and proficiency in front of goal, netting a remarkable hat-trick for the Sahar side. His performance was a masterclass in striking, showcasing his ability to create opportunities and finish with finesse. However, despite Shaikh’s exceptional efforts, St Joseph’s fought back with commendable resilience. Goals from Dixit Bhoj, Sahel Tandel, and Austin Fernandes saw the Umerkhadi team rally strongly, bringing the match level and forcing the contest into a decisive penalty shootout.
As the players lined up for the shootout, the tension at the venue was palpable. Fans held their breath, fully aware that the next few moments would seal the fate of both teams in the tournament. The shootout saw both teams put their best foot forward, but it was Shaikh once again who rose to the occasion for Our Lady of Health. Accompanied by Rohit Pal, who also scored a crucial spot-kick, they led their team to a much-celebrated victory over their opponents, ensuring their progression into the next stage of the competition.
The evening saw thrilling action not only in this particular contest but also in another quarter-final clash where St Francis Xavier of Kanjurmarg advanced after securing a 5-3 win against St Andrew’s of Bandra.
. In this intense fixture, Shoaib Baig emerged as the star performer, scoring an astonishing four goals, practically single-handedly driving his team’s offensive play. Arvind Raj chipped in with a goal, further solidifying their commanding performance. Meanwhile, Danzil Mascarenhas was the standout player for St Andrew’s, scoring all three of their goals, thus showcasing his individual brilliance despite the team’s overall defeat.
The vibrant energy from the men’s matches carried over into the veterans’ category, where MYJ Green convincingly claimed a 2-0 victory over IC MYJ. Goals from Anthony Reveredo and Edilbert Martis secured the win, demonstrating that age has not dulled the fervor and tactical acumen of these seasoned players. The match was played with the sportsmanship and competitive spirit typical of the veterans’ categories, adding a touch of experience and maturity to the overall dynamic of the tournament.
This year’s tournament has reaffirmed its status as a beacon of regional football excellence, providing a platform for both emerging talents and seasoned campaigners to showcase their skills. With each passing day, the excitement is palpable as teams vie for the coveted title, making each game a must-watch event for fans of the sport.
Regardless of the outcomes, the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana annual rink football tournament continues to deliver thrilling football for its spectators, embodying the passion, competitiveness, and community spirit intrinsic to the game. The battles fought on the rink speak volumes of the dedication and prowess of the athletes. As the tournament progresses into its decisive phases, the anticipation among fans grows, with everyone keenly awaiting the unfolding of each subsequent chapter in this football saga.
