The spell of pressure paid off when Nakeesha received a square pass from the left and broke the deadlock with a neat finish in the 12th minute.
Under the bright skies of Borivli, Don Bosco International’s girls’ under-16 football team delivered a stellar performance to secure a 3-0 victory against JB Petit in the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The match, held at St Francis D’Assisi football ground, saw Don Bosco International (Matunga) effortlessly maintain their triumph, displaying control and tenacity from start to finish.
Right from the kickoff, Don Bosco International was in complete control. Hardly tested by JB Petit (Fort), Don Bosco’s girls swiftly asserted their dominance, calmly navigating the match and securing three pivotal points that solidified their standing in the tournament. Nakeesha Walia was the star of the day, scoring twice, while Aditi Sakaria added another goal to close the 3-0 victory margin effectively.
Don Bosco’s control over the game was evident from the onset. Quickly settling into their rhythm, Don Bosco enjoyed a pronounced upper hand. They not only exhibited territorial advantage but also persistently challenged the JB Petit defense, which struggled under the sustained pressure. Don Bosco’s relentless drive and probing runs forced the JB Petit defensive line into making critical errors.
In the 12th minute, the spell of pressure from Don Bosco paid dividends. Nakeesha Walia, demonstrating her impeccable skills and composure, received a precise square pass from the left flank. With effortless grace, she broke the deadlock and netted the ball, giving Don Bosco a well-deserved lead. This set the tone for the rest of the match, with JB Petit’s defense continuously faltering under Don Bosco’s relentless assault.
The defensive woes of JB Petit were further compounded by their incoherent midfield, which struggled to organize and effectively transition the ball out of their half. This incoherence led to more mistakes, which Don Bosco’s agile forwards were quick to capitalize on.
. Nakeesha Walia, demonstrating why she’s a force to be reckoned with, scored again, displaying her prowess in front of goal. Inspired by Nakeesha’s performance, Aditi Sakaria also found the back of the net, further extending Don Bosco’s lead and ensuring their victory was beyond any doubt.
Despite their efforts, JB Petit never managed to find their rhythm. Their inability to piece together a cohesive midfield meant that every counter-attack attempt was stifled before it could even pose a threat to Don Bosco’s defense. As the minutes ticked away, it became increasingly clear that JB Petit was outclassed, and the result was almost a foregone conclusion.
In the same venue earlier that day, Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) played out a goalless draw with Gopal Sharma International (Powai), marking a stark contrast to Don Bosco’s dominant display. The match underscored the level of competition in this inter-school tournament, but also highlighted the gap between teams like Don Bosco International and the others striving to reach their caliber.
Don Bosco International’s clash with JB Petit wasn’t just a showcase of football skills but also a testament to the importance of strategy, cohesion, and capitalizing on opponents’ weaknesses. The victory is sure to boost the team’s morale, positioning them as serious contenders for the title as the tournament progresses.
The Don Bosco team, with their authoritative victory, has set a high benchmark for the competition. Their ability to maintain pressure, create opportunities, and efficiently exploit defensive lapses has made them a formidable opponent. The road ahead in the MSSA inter-school football tournament may still be long, but if their recent performance is anything to go by, Don Bosco International is more than ready to tackle any challenge coming their way.
As the Don Bosco girls celebrated their well-earned victory, one thing was clear: their unwavering dedication, strategic prowess, and individual brilliance are paving the way for what could be a remarkable season in the MSSA inter-school football tournament. With players like Nakeesha Walia and Aditi Sakaria leading the charge, Don Bosco International (Matunga) has firmly established themselves as the team to watch in the forthcoming matches. The echoes of their dominance on the football field are sure to reverberate throughout the tournament, leaving an indelible mark on one of Mumbai’s most prestigious inter-school sports fixtures.
