A thrilling showdown beckons as Cathedral & John Connon School (Fort) is set to face off against Bombay Scottish School (Mahim) in the much-anticipated boys U-16 final of the Ahmed Sailor MSSA inter-school football tournament. The journey to this climactic encounter unfolded at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Thursday, showcasing two distinctly different narratives in their respective semi-final contests.
In the first semi-final, Cathedral displayed resilience and tenacity as they weathered a formidable comeback from Chatrabhuj Narsee School (CNS, Kandivli). The intense clash was eventually decided by a nail-biting tie-breaker after regulation time ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Cathedral wasted no time in asserting their presence on the field, with Veer Kedia propelling his team ahead in just the third minute. An expertly delivered pass from team captain Rian Uniyal allowed Kedia to slot the ball past the advancing CNS goalkeeper, setting the stage for a potential victory.
Yet, CNS, renowned for their fighting spirit, made an impressive return to form in the second half. Riddhiman Singh emerged as the protagonist for CNS, levelling the scores and reigniting hope for his team. However, Cathedral’s determination and strategic precision ultimately quelled CNS’s aspirations of advancing to the final. Rian Uniyal, pivotal to Cathedral’s triumph, once again stepped into the limelight. Not only did he successfully convert a crucial penalty, but he also donned the goalkeeper’s gloves to produce two vital saves in the tie-breaker, a role he seamlessly undertook when their primary goalkeeper was unavailable.
The climactic penalty shootout featured contributions from Rayess Surti, Akshaj Singh, and Aditya Desai for Cathedral, while CNS found the net through Samit Mandhare, Anirvinya Sarkar, and the resilient Riddhiman Singh.
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Meanwhile, the second semi-final unfolded with Bombay Scottish showcasing their dominance in a convincing 4-1 victory over St Joseph’s Secondary (Orlem). The match began with a flicker of hope for St Joseph’s, as Jesse Bhobe capitalized on an early opportunity, finding the back of the net in just the sixth minute. However, any semblance of an upset was swiftly dismantled as Bombay Scottish asserted their superior skill and tactical discipline.
Wingers Reuben Thomas and Hriday Haria orchestrated a masterclass in offensive play, each securing a brace that underscored their team’s prowess and effectively dismantled the opposition’s defenses. Their relentless attacks and strategic positioning left St Joseph’s unable to regain their early momentum, ensuring Bombay Scottish’s comfortable passage to the finals.
The upcoming finale promises an electrifying clash between two formidable institutions with storied histories in the MSSA tournament. Cathedral & John Connon School will draw on the grit and resilience that carried them through a challenging semi-final, while Bombay Scottish School aims to replicate their semi-final performance, characterized by slick teamwork and efficient striking abilities.
Both teams are renowned for nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the sport, making the final not only a contest of skills but also a testament to their commitment to developing the next generation of footballers. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this exciting encounter, with St Francis D’Assisi ground poised to host what promises to be a captivating and competitive match.
As the players prepare for the high-stakes battle, both Cathedral and Bombay Scottish are focused on crafting strategies that will secure them the prestigious MSSA title. It’s a compelling testament to youth football’s vibrant spirit and an excellent opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their skills on a grand stage. With anticipation building, the U-16 final is set to deliver a memorable spectacle for all in attendance.
