Yesterday, the Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir (AVM) team continued their dominance in the MSSA inter-school football tournament by clinching the girls’ under-16 first division title with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Bombay Scottish (Mahim) at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli. The stellar performance solidified AVM’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with, as they successfully defended their championship title with professionalism and finesse.
The third place was secured earlier in the day by Rustomjee Cambridge’s Dahisar branch, who triumphed with a 2-0 win against their counterparts from Rustomjee Cambridge (Thane). Naomi Soans and captain Harshini Iyer scored the goals that ensured their podium finish.
Right from the whistle, AVM (Juhu) demonstrated their superiority on every front. Key to their success was striker Vamika Udeshi, who scored twice, setting the tone for a match that seemed only to go their way. Complementing Vamika’s efforts were Radhika Vyas and Rhea Murudkar, each contributing a goal, allowing AVM to dominate Bombay Scottish comprehensively.
The first goal came in the seventh minute of play, when Vamika capitalized on a lapse by the Scottish goalkeeper, Vanshika Reddy, who failed to collect a long through ball cleanly. What followed was an exhibition of seamless teamwork and strategy by the AVM girls, who seemed unfazed by the challenging ground conditions caused by intermittent rain.
Captain Stuti Kothari and Radhika Vyas orchestrated the midfield with precision, creating numerous opportunities for their forwards. Rhea Murudkar seized one such opportunity late in the first half, exploiting another defensive error by the opposition to double their lead. Moments before halftime, Radhika, receiving a slick pass from Vamika, wrapped up the first half with a third goal, leaving their opponents shell-shocked.
Resuming the match with the same intensity, AVM continued to assert their dominance. Vamika rounded off the scoresheet with a neat finish from the right, thanks in large part to Norah Bhattacharya’s hard work down the center. The cohesive and strategic approach by AVM was a spectacle of blend and balance, making their victory all the more impressive.
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AVM coach Desmond D’Souza expressed his contentment following the match, noting, “I’m very happy with how my team played today, particularly given the tough ground conditions. I was confident of getting a positive result from this summit clash as we had studied our opposition well and executed our plans to counter their game plan.”
Bombay Scottish coach Abdulla Ansari also acknowledged the superior skills of their rivals. “AVM are a really good team with technically sound players. We need to work on our tactical aspects,” said Ansari, highlighting the level of expertise that AVM brought to the field.
The victory caps a remarkable campaign for AVM, whose journey through the tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. Their resilience, skill, and tactical brilliance were visible in every match they played, culminating in a well-deserved championship title.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to be a cornerstone for nurturing young talent, providing students with an esteemed platform to showcase and hone their skills. The bar set by AVM certainly offers inspiration for aspiring young athletes.
In Indian football, especially at the youth level, victories like these foster community spirit and encourage participation. It also marks an essential step in the right direction for women’s football as it increasingly gains traction and support.
Future tournaments will undoubtedly witness more compelling performances, but for now, Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir’s stunning display ensures they remain the benchmark. The AVM girls’ remarkable feat will be remembered as a testament to their skill, teamwork, and indomitable spirit. The young athletes have once again proven that under the right conditions and guidance, excellence is not just a possibility but an eventuality.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament will continue to be a foundation for young talents to rise, and performances like AVM’s are a promising sign for the future of football, nurturing a new generation of champions on and off the pitch.
