In a thrilling opening match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, hosts St Francis ICSE made a dominant start with a convincing 3-0 victory against St Sebastian High School (Chembur). The clash took place on Thursday at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, marking the kickoff of the boys’ U-16 third division league.
Midfielders Arjun Malya and Erwyn D’Souza were at the forefront of St Francis ICSE’s charge, each finding the back of the net and setting the tone for the game. Substitute Sahil Getwa joined the action and contributed with a goal to solidify the team’s lead. This dynamic trio played an instrumental role as the D’Assisi boys opened their Group E campaign on a high note.
The significance of the first goal cannot be overstated, as it gave St Francis the confidence boost they needed. Throughout the first half, St Francis maintained the bulk of possession. Their strategic offense and well-coordinated plays kept St Sebastian constantly on their toes. The defensive side of the visitors was under relentless pressure and succumbed when Arjun Malya clinically finished off a well-executed play to put St Francis ahead 1-0 before the halftime whistle.
As the game progressed into the second half, St Sebastian High School continued to struggle with their defensive setup. Their tendency to play deep within their side of the field left them vulnerable to the relentless attacks from St Francis. The hosts capitalized on this vulnerability, with Erwyn D’Souza skillfully weaving through the defense to score the second goal. Sahil Getwa, coming off the bench, added flair and fresh energy, scoring the third and final goal to seal the victory.
“This win is a testament to our rigorous training and the team’s determination,” said St Francis coach, expressing pride in the boys’ performance. “Each player showed exceptional skill and teamwork, which will be crucial as we progress through the tournament.”
The opening match set a promising tone for the tournament, igniting excitement among the fans and boosting the morale of the St Francis team. The support from the home crowd played a pivotal role in energizing the players, as chants and cheers resonated throughout the stadium.
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In another closely contested match, Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) and Thakur Public School (Kandivli) locked horns but ended up in a goalless draw. Despite having more threatening chances, Jamnabai Narsee struggled with creativity upfront, unable to convert their opportunities into goals. Thakur Public School, on the other hand, displayed commendable defense but fell short in generating impactful offensive moves.
Fans were treated to another spectacle when St Anthony’s (Malvani) took on St Blaise (Amboli). St Anthony’s demonstrated superior skill and strategy, blanking their opponents 5-0. The star of the match was undoubtedly Jeet Natke, the St Anthony’s skipper, who scored a stunning hat-trick. Christian Koli and Manas Supugade further added to the tally, cementing a comprehensive rout.
The day’s fixtures highlighted the diverse talent and competitive spirit inherent in the MSSA inter-school football tournament. Every team, regardless of the outcome, showcased their potential and resilience. The thrilling performances also drew attention to the dedicated efforts of coaches and support staff working relentlessly behind the scenes.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to foster young talent and provide a platform for aspiring footballers to test their skills in a competitive yet nurturing environment. As the tournament progresses, fans and participants alike eagerly await more high-energy matches and standout performances.
St Francis ICSE, buoyed by their opening victory, will look to build on their momentum and further assert their dominance in Group E. On the flip side, St Sebastian High School will be eager to regroup and refine their strategies in preparation for their upcoming fixtures, determined to bounce back stronger.
In conclusion, the opening day of the MSSA inter-school football tournament delivered on all fronts – skill, excitement, and a glimpse into the future stars of football. The 3-0 win by St Francis ICSE against St Sebastian High School sets a high benchmark for the matches to follow, promising an exhilarating football journey ahead.
