Bombay Scottish, Mahim, have secured their spot in the boys’ Under-16 Division I final of the MSSA inter-school football tournament after a gritty 2-0 victory over Cambridge, Kandivli. The match took place at the St Francis D’Assisi football ground in Borivli on Monday. This win sets up a thrilling final against Don Bosco, Matunga, the reigning champions who advanced to the final last week by defeating St Stanislaus, Bandra via penalties.
The semi-final match witnessed an intensely competitive atmosphere, starting on a high note with Bombay Scottish pressing early. The breakthrough for Bombay Scottish came in the ninth minute of play due to an unfortunate own goal by a Cambridge defender. The error occurred following a free-kick from the left side taken by Raghav Kanodia, which led to immense pressure on Cambridge, forcing the defender into a mistake that resulted in the ball ending up into their own net.
Despite the early setback, Cambridge showed resilience and attempted to regroup. They exerted commendable effort to turn the tide but were unable to find the back of the net. As the first half progressed, it became evident that Bombay Scottish’s game plan was effective in stifling Cambridge’s attacks, leading to a 1-0 halftime scoreline.
The second half saw Bombay Scottish tightening their grip on the game. Their captain, Raghav Kanodia, emerged as the pivotal player once again, driving the team forward. In the midst of a tightly contested midfield battle, Kanodia received the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a superb long-range strike that doubled the lead for Bombay Scottish. The effort left the Cambridge goalkeeper with little chance and provided Bombay Scottish with a significant cushion.
Cambridge, now two goals behind, tried to change the dynamics of the match. They managed to put together several promising moves and showcased flashes of brilliance. However, they struggled with their finishing, leaving much to be desired in the final third of the pitch.
. Their failure to convert chances into goals proved costly as the clock ticked down to the final whistle.
In the post-match analysis, it became apparent that while Bombay Scottish had managed to secure the win, their performance was far from flawless. Their coach, Fhad Ansari, highlighted that there were areas needing improvement, particularly noting the lapses in concentration during phases of the game. He expressed satisfaction with the result but emphasized the need for a better overall performance in the upcoming final.
The final match against Don Bosco, Matunga promises to be an enthralling encounter. Don Bosco, the reigning champions, have shown remarkable consistency and resilience throughout the tournament. Their semi-final victory over St Stanislaus, Bandra was a testament to their ability to handle pressure situations, winning through penalties after a goalless draw.
Bombay Scottish, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their recent momentum. They will be relying heavily on the leadership and skills of their captain, Raghav Kanodia, who has proved instrumental in their journey to the final. His knack for scoring crucial goals and orchestrating play from the midfield will be crucial in the high-stakes final.
The clash between Bombay Scottish and Don Bosco isn’t just about winning the trophy; it’s a battle for supremacy in school football. Both teams have storied histories and passionate fanbases, adding extra layers of intensity to the final showdown. Spectators and football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the final whistle, hoping for an exciting match that lives up to the expectations.
In conclusion, Bombay Scottish’s path to the final was marked by hard work and determination, with their semi-final performance reflecting both their strengths and areas that need refinement. The stage is now set for a classic encounter against Don Bosco, Matunga, which will decide the champions of the MSSA U-16 Division I tournament. Football fans and supporters of school sports can look forward to a highly competitive and entertaining final.
