In a thrilling encounter at Priyadarshini Park yesterday, reigning champions Don Bosco High School (Matunga) clinched their third consecutive boys U-16 Division-I first division title in the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) football tournament. The Matunga side showcased their dominance with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bombay Scottish (Mahim) in a match marked by challenging ground conditions.
Earlier in the day, in a surprising turn of events during the third-place match, Cambridge School (Kandivli) managed to shock St Stanislaus (Bandra) 1-0. Austin Gama emerged as the hero for Cambridge, scoring the decisive goal in the second half to ensure his team walked away with the consolation prize.
Coming back to the main event, the two formidable teams faced each other on a playing field that had been rendered soggy and slippery due to the recent rains. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the keenly contested match lived up to its billing, with both teams vying fiercely for the coveted title. The breakthrough came in the 19th minute, when Adair D’Souza of Don Bosco netted the lone goal of the final.
The crucial moment of the match occurred when a defensive error by Bombay Scottish provided an opportunity for the Matunga side. A swift move down the left wing saw Adair pounce on the ball, taking advantage of some hesitant defending by Scottish players who failed to clear the ball to safety. Without wasting a moment, Adair capitalized on the misstep, unleashing a powerful right-footer that found its way into the corner of the net, setting the scoreboard at 1-0.
“It was a team effort, and I give full credit to the entire squad for playing their part effectively in our title defense,” said Don Bosco coach Leslie Machado. He felt that all his players contributed significantly towards the victory. Machado added, “Had the ground conditions been better, the quality of football on display would have been top-notch.”
On the other end, Bombay Scottish coach Fhad Ansari cited a lack of adequate preparation as a hindrance. “We have not been training for the last 15 days as the boys had their examinations. The ground conditions here were poor too,” stated Ansari in his post-match remarks, hinting that the lack of recent practice sessions had a tangible impact on his team’s performance.
The match itself was a tight affair mostly confined to the midfield in the opening half.
. Both sides found it difficult to create scoring opportunities, a situation exacerbated by the treacherous ground conditions. The game showcased disciplined defending and tightly knit play, with neither team willing to take excessive risks. This resulted in few clear-cut chances, with the defenses holding firm for much of the first half.
As the second half progressed, it became clear that Don Bosco’s relentless pressure and strategic approach would eventually pay off. The Matunga boys maintained a robust midfield presence that stifled many of Scottish’s offensive plays. Their disciplined defensive structure ensured that the single goal advantage was enough to see them through to the final whistle.
A large contingent of enthusiastic spectators braved the elements to watch the match, providing a lively backdrop to the day’s proceedings. The Priyadarshini Park venue, though suffering from adverse weather, nevertheless buzzed with the excitement typical of such high-stakes school sports events.
In the earlier third-place playoff, Cambridge’s unexpected victory over St Stanislaus added a layer of drama to the day. The Kandivli-based school managed to contain their more fancied opponents despite various challenges. Austin Gama’s solitary goal in the second half sent ripples through the crowd, securing a memorable win for Cambridge and denying St Stanislaus a podium finish.
With their latest triumph, Don Bosco High School continues to etch its name in the annals of inter-school football, showcasing not just skill but also resilience and determination. The team’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to perform under pressure have set a high standard for school sports in Mumbai.
As the MSSA football tournament closes for another season, schools will likely reflect on their performances, analyzing strengths and areas for improvement. While Don Bosco celebrates their victory, other teams—including the gallant runners-up and third-place finishers—will undoubtedly be planning for a stronger comeback next season. The stage is set for another year of thrilling school football, with every team eager to challenge the reigning champions and claim their own moment of glory.
