In what can only be described as a dominant display of skill and determination, DG Khetan (Malad) surged into the boys U-16 third division final of the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football tournament. The match took place on Monday at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, where they secured a decisive 2-0 victory over RN Podar (Santacruz), marking their commanding presence in the competition.
From the first whistle, DG Khetan set the tone for the game with an aggressive and coherent style of play. The team’s strategy became evident as they applied relentless pressure on the RN Podar defense. This early assertiveness paid dividends when deep defender Kumar Badugu made a prolific individual effort to break the deadlock in the first half, putting DG Khetan ahead. Taking on multiple defenders, Badugu showcased a brilliant piece of individual play, which was celebrated enthusiastically by teammates and supporters alike.
The intensity did not wane as the second half commenced. DG Khetan maintained their aggressive stance, with midfielder Aaroosh Bardeshkar stepping up to take a free kick. Known for his precision, Bardeshkar didn’t disappoint. He executed a stunning left-footed shot that found the back of the net, doubling their lead to 2-0. This remarkable goal not only highlighted his technical prowess but also more or less ensured DG Khetan’s berth in the final.
Indeed, it was a day of exemplary football that saw other teams also delivering memorable performances in the quarter-finals. Thakur Public School (Kandivli) staged a commendable comeback against Dr. Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan (Malad), winning 2-1. The match began with Josiah Chettiar of Dr. Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan converting a first-half penalty to give his team an early lead. However, Thakur Public School was quick to respond.
. Arnav Singh turned the tide for Thakur with two well-placed goals, securing their path to the next round of the tournament.
Meanwhile, St Anthony High School (Malvani) showcased tenacity and excellent teamwork to upset a fancied Don Bosco International (Matunga) side, also with a 2-1 scoreline. Daksh Koli and Manas Supugade were the heroes for St Anthony’s, each netting a goal to give their team a much-needed edge. Despite a late goal from Jahhaan Sanghavi that provided a glimmer of hope for Don Bosco International, St Anthony’s held firm to preserve their lead and clinch the victory.
The semi-finals promise to bring more thrilling action. Thakur Public School is set to face St Anthony High School in what promises to be a riveting clash, given both teams’ form and determination. In contrast, DG Khetan will now prepare meticulously for their summit clash in the boys U-16 third division final. They have displayed tactical superiority and robust performance throughout the tournament, and expectations are high for their next performance.
The success of DG Khetan can be attributed to their comprehensive team effort and strategic gameplay. The offensive prowess demonstrated by the likes of Kumar Badugu and Aaroosh Bardeshkar has been nothing short of phenomenal. Equally, the defense has stood strong, maintaining composure under pressure and ensuring their opponents find it challenging to break through.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to be a beacon of emerging talent and competitive spirit among young athletes. Each team’s journey through the tournament highlights the enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication these young players bring to the field. As the tournament progresses, the enthusiasm among schools, parents, and the local community continues to build up, adding to the lively and competitive atmosphere of the event.
As DG Khetan prepares for the final showdown, the entire team and its supporters will undoubtedly be rallying together, aiming to finish the tournament on a high note. Their journey so far has been inspiring, and they will be looking to capitalize on this momentum to secure the championship. The final promises to be an exhilarating display of youth football, encapsulating the essence of sportsmanship and skill that defines the MSSA inter-school football tournament.
