Bombay Scottish, Mahim, are set to face Don Bosco, Matunga, in the much-anticipated final of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The reigning champions earned their place in the summit clash by defeating St Stanislaus, Bandra, last week in a tense penalty shootout, adding further spice to the already electrifying competition.
The journey to the final wasn’t straightforward for Bombay Scottish. In their closely contested semi-final match against Cambridge School, Kandivali, held at the St Francis D’Assisi football ground in Borivli, they scripted a hard-fought 2-0 victory. The semi-final, held on a sun-drenched Monday afternoon, was an exhibition of grit and determination from both teams.
In the initial stages of the match, Bombay Scottish seemed to have a slight upper hand, controlling the pace and holding more possession. The breakthrough came early, just in the ninth minute, when a free-kick taken by Raghav Kanodia led to a disastrous own goal by a Cambridge defender. This early setback rattled Cambridge, but they gradually settled into the match, trying to restore parity.
Despite the early lead, Bombay Scottish couldn’t rest easy. The first half saw numerous exchanges, with Cambridge showing glimpses of their attacking potential but failing to find the finishing touch. Their spirit was epitomized by some promising build-up play, yet the ultimate conversion of these chances into goals remained elusive.
The second half began with Bombay Scottish looking to solidify their lead. Cambridge, on the other hand, launched a series of counter-attacks, striving to claw their way back into the game. However, their efforts were in vain as Bombay Scottish bolstered their defense and continued to dominate key areas of the pitch.
Midway through the second half, Bombay Scottish’s influential central midfielder, Raghav Kanodia, put an end to Cambridge’s comeback hopes.
. He unleashed a spectacular long-range strike that soared into the top corner of the net, leaving the Cambridge goalkeeper with no chance. The goal provided a massive boost to the Bombay Scottish side and created a two-goal cushion that seemed insurmountable for their opponents.
Cambridge did not give up and showed resilience, keeping the pressure on Bombay Scottish. However, despite their valiant attempts and creating several goal-scoring opportunities, they were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined and well-organized defensive line from the Bombay side. Their lack of clinical finishing in front of goal ultimately cost them dearly, and they were unable to break the deadlock.
As the final whistle blew, the Bombay Scottish team erupted in joyous celebrations, having secured their spot in the final with a commendable 2-0 victory. The team’s coach, Fhad Ansari, was visibly elated, praising his players’ performance but also acknowledging areas that needed improvement for the upcoming final against Don Bosco.
Don Bosco, Matunga, who secured their place in the final through a nail-biting penalty shootout win over St Stanislaus, have been equally impressive in the tournament. The final promises to be a thrilling affair, with both teams showcasing exceptional talent, strategy, and sportsmanship throughout their campaigns. The reigning champions, Bombay Scottish, will be looking to defend their title, while Don Bosco, Matunga is determined to challenge their supremacy.
The countdown to the final has begun, and fans from both sides are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a showcase of youth football at its finest. The St Francis D’Assisi football ground in Borivli will once again be the battleground where these young athletes will leave it all on the field, vying for the glory of being crowned the MSSA U-16 Division I champions.
The match between Bombay Scottish and Don Bosco, Matunga, has all the ingredients of a classic encounter – historical rivalry, star players, and two tactically adept coaches. As the day of the final approaches, excitement is reaching fever pitch, with supporters and neutrals alike predicting an intense but entertaining clash.
