In an electrifying showdown at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, DG Khetan International School from Malad emerged victorious as the Under-16 Division III champions in the highly competitive MSSA inter-school football tournament. The intense battle against St Anthony’s High School, Malwani culminated in a nail-biting 5-4 victory via a tense tie-breaker held on Wednesday afternoon.
The climatic encounter saw DG Khetan banking heavily on their steadfast defensive line to thwart the relentless attacking waves of St Anthony’s players. DG Khetan’s defense stood resolute and formidable, working tirelessly to deny St Anthony’s numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match. As the final whistle blew, signaling a deadlocked game, the outcome would be determined by nerve-wracking penalty kicks.
In the tie-breaker, DG Khetan’s players held their composure under immense pressure. Daksh Jamnani, Ishaan Nay, Aaroush Bardeshkar, Hridhaan Hanoa, and Ethan Sequeira successfully converted their penalties, showcasing impeccable precision and mental fortitude. St Anthony’s responded with goals from Daksh Koli, Jeet Naike, Devesh Koli, and Krishit Koli, making the game a tightly contested affair.
The victorious DG Khetan coach, Norbert D’Souza, expressed immense pride in his team’s defensive performance throughout the tournament. “I was confident of my defensive line-up as they consistently played well in every match,” said D’Souza, acknowledging the crucial role his defense played in their tournament success.
Despite the loss, St Anthony’s team manager, Ronnie D’Souza, remained optimistic and praised his team for their impressive run to the finals. “It’s only been a month since the UK United Sports Academy started training the St Anthony’s boys. Reaching the MSSA final is quite an achievement in itself,” he remarked. Ronnie D’Souza confidently added, “Next time, we’ll be champions.
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Elsewhere in the tournament, Thakur Public School delivered a commanding performance to secure third place with a convincing 5-0 win against RN Podar. Thakur displayed offensive prowess with goals from Arnav Singh, Aadi Tembulkar, Reyansh Patil, and Apurva Sahani, further assisted by an unfortunate own-goal from RN Podar.
The journey to the finals was a testament to DG Khetan’s strategic execution and relentless stamina, traits that were repeatedly on display throughout the tournament. Their ability to grind out results, even when faced with formidable opposition, marked their campaign as a model of perseverance and tenacity. Their triumph serves to boost the entire DG Khetan football program, reinforcing their commitment to sporting excellence and teamwork.
For St Anthony’s, this MSSA tournament has been an inspiring journey, right from their initial matches to the final showdown. Their ability to compete at such a high level after just a month of intensive training underlines a promising future. The dedication and effort showcased by each player promise an even stronger return in subsequent tournaments.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament once again provided a thrilling spectacle of youth football, bringing together talent from across the city and highlighting the depth of skill and competitive spirit that thrives among young athletes. It not only fostered sportsmanship but also elevated the standard of school-level football in the region.
As the tournament concluded, both the participating teams and spectators left the ground with memories of a pulsating finale. The commendable performances on display reflected the spirit of the game, as both champions and runners-up exhibited courage and determination in their respective quests for glory.
The triumph by DG Khetan International School at the MSSA tournament is sure to inspire young footballers across the region, underscoring the importance of resilience, strategic play, and team cohesion. As these athletes return to their regular school routines, their recent achievements on the field will undoubtedly echo as a source of pride and encouragement for future sporting endeavors.
