In a thrilling display of skill and athleticism, the girls’ under-16 second division of the MSSA inter-school football tournament saw several dominant performances at St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Wednesday. Teams from Cathedral and John Connon (Fort) and Apostolic Carmel (Bandra) clinched decisive victories, establishing their command in the league matches.
The opening match of the day featured Cathedral & John Connon, who exhibited an outstanding performance, orchestrating a resounding 6-0 victory over Little Angel (Sion). The match saw star performances from captain Aishee Biswas and her striking partner Sharanya Kheruka, both securing hat-tricks. Despite leading by a solitary goal at half-time, Cathedral & John Connon demonstrated remarkable teamwork and tenacity in the second half, which led to their overwhelming win.
Later in the day, Apostolic Carmel’s captain, Adelia Picardo, showcased her formidable goal-scoring prowess by netting a hat-trick. Apostolic Carmel effortlessly brushed aside Podar International CBSE (Powai) with a substantial 4-0 margin, with Pratiksha Naik completing the tally and reinforcing their dominance on the field.
In a departure from the one-sided matches earlier in the day, a highly contested clash unfolded between Don Bosco International (Matunga) and Pawar Public School (Kandivli). The match ended with Don Bosco International securing a 2-0 victory. Goals were scored by Anoushka Gangwani from a long-range free-kick and Nakeesha Walia, who capitalized on a goalkeeping error. Pawar Public School, despite a stronger showing in the second half, would likely be disappointed by the manner in which they conceded both goals.
The matches, characterized by significant goal margins and individual brilliance, underscored the competitive spirit and emerging talent within the league. Cathedral & John Connon’s hat-trick heroes, captain Aishee Biswas and Sharanya Kheruka, were pivotal in their team’s outstanding win. Their synchronization and strategic play kept the spectators at St Francis D’Assisi ground on the edge of their seats, affirming why they are a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
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Simultaneously, Apostolic Carmel’s win was marked by captain Adelia Picardo’s exceptional goal-scoring ability, adding a hat-trick to her name. The fluidity and precision in her gameplay, combined with Pratiksha Naik’s goal, ensured that Podar International CBSE had little chance to recover, mirroring the lopsided nature of the tournament’s early fixtures.
The inter-school football tournament not only highlights the talents of these young athletes but also emphasizes the importance of sports in promoting teamwork, strategic thinking, and resilience among students. It reflects the growing participation and interest in women’s football and paves the way for nurturing potential talents who could represent higher echelons of football in the future.
Moreover, the spectators were treated to a captivating contest between Don Bosco International and Pawar Public School. Despite the 2-0 scoreline in favor of Don Bosco International, the match was a testament to the resilience and competitive spirit of both teams. Anoushka Gangwani’s impeccable long-range free-kick set the tone for Don Bosco International, while Nakeesha Walia’s instinctive play following a goalkeeping error sealed the victory. Pawar Public School enhanced their gameplay in the second half, showcasing significant improvement, yet they fell short of finding the back of the net.
Overall, the day’s proceedings at St Francis D’Assisi ground emphasized the dynamic nature of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, with standout performances that not only entertained but also inspired the next generation of footballers. The spirit of competition, individual flair, and team coordination were evident throughout the matches, providing invaluable experiences and lessons for the young athletes.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether the dominant performances of Cathedral & John Connon and Apostolic Carmel can sustain their momentum. Additionally, the tough game displayed by Don Bosco International against Pawar Public indicates there are no easy fixtures ahead, promising more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to be a crucial platform for budding talents, fostering growth and sportsmanship, ensuring that the future of women’s football continues to shine bright.
