In a thrilling spectacle of youthful athletic prowess, the reigning first division champions, Don Bosco High School (Matunga), displayed a stunning second-half performance to secure a compelling 4-1 victory against St Blaise High School (Andheri). The much-anticipated boys U-16 Ahmed Sailor knockout match unfolded on Tuesday at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, as part of the MSSA inter-school football tournament.
Despite not operating at their fluent best, Don Bosco had ample firepower to progress to the next round, largely thanks to their captain, Adair D’Souza. D’Souza, leading from the front, recorded a remarkable hat-trick, while midfielder Keegan Peres added the finishing touch by netting the fourth goal in the closing stages of the match.
The game began with Don Bosco’s captain making an immediate impact. In the opening minute, Adair D’Souza managed to break through the St Blaise defense and find the back of the net, setting the high-stakes tone for the rest of the match. St Blaise, however, was not to be easily outdone. Prince Singh responded with a superb long-range strike that beat the Don Bosco goalkeeper, bringing the score to a level 1-1 before the halftime whistle.
The halftime scoreline was a testament to St Blaise’s determination and resilience, as they held their own against a team widely regarded as favorites. But as the second half commenced, the boys from Don Bosco shifted gears, demonstrating the kind of dominance that had earned them their champion status. Within the opening quarter of the second half, the Matunga-based team struck three more times, two more goals from Adair D’Souza completing his hat-trick, and one from Keegan Peres, decisively shifting the game in their favor.
The 4-1 final score may have suggested an easy win, but it was far from straightforward. St Blaise’s initial equalizer and their competitive spirit kept the audience on edge throughout the first half. However, Don Bosco’s class and experience shone through in the end, primarily through their captain’s able leadership and clinical finishing.
Let us not forget the backdrop of another dramatic game earlier in the day.
. Don Bosco High School (Borivli) faced a tough challenge in their match against Bombay Scottish (Powai). That contest ended regular time in a tense 1-1 draw, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout. Malekal D’Silva had single-handedly kept Don Bosco in the game by scoring in the second half to equalize Ranit Senthilnathan’s opener for Bombay Scottish.
The penalty shootout was a gripping affair, with Borivli’s donning their steel nerves. Cristiano Lewis, Reenesh Kotian, Aarav Kataria, Devesh Jadhav, and Aaryan Gomes all successfully converted their penalties, eventually leading their side to a 6-5 victory. Scottish also performed admirably under pressure, with Ranit Senthilnathan, Akshai Shetty, Rian Sangam, and Aarush Bhattacharya all finding the net in the shootout, though it wasn’t enough to secure them a win.
This high-octane footie action at the MSSA inter-school football tournament is a reminder of how exhilarating youth sports can be. Teams and individual players often have the chance to shine under pressure, bringing out the best in skills, strategy, and sportsmanship. Adair D’Souza’s hat-trick is sure to be remembered as a standout moment, while Keegan Peres’ late goal and Malekal’s crucial equalizer in an earlier game provided ample evidence of the rising talent in the school football scene.
Football aficionados looking for promising talent would do well to keep an eye on these young athletes. The layers of teamwork, individual brilliance, and competitive zeal they display are the bedrock of what makes the sport universally beloved. The matches at St Francis D’Assisi ground are a testament to the exciting future these young players have in the world of football.
As this chapter in the MSSA inter-school football tournament comes to a close, all eyes will be on how Don Bosco High School and their rivals shape up in the rounds to come. If the past performances are anything to go by, spectators are in for more electrifying and drama-filled matches in the days ahead.
