In an enthralling third division league match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament held on Wednesday at the St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) managed to secure a valuable point against Dr S Radhakrishnan (Malad) with a last-ditch equaliser. The game concluded with a 1-1 draw, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.
The match kicked off with both teams demonstrating their intent from the get-go. It was clear that neither side was willing to concede ground easily. Dr S Radhakrishnan’s players exhibited commendable coordination and determination, which paid off early in the game. In the 14th minute, Yash Vishwakarma, a standout performer for Dr S Radhakrishnan, capitalized on a perfectly executed free-kick by Josiah Chettiar. The ball, delivered with precision from the right, found Vishwakarma, who rose above his markers to head it firmly into the back of the net. This early goal set the tone for a fiercely competitive match.
St Xavier’s, undeterred by the early setback, started regrouping and pressing forward. Their strategy was to control the midfield and push for opportunities, but the Radhakrishnan defenders were resolute. Numerous attempts from both sides to breach each other’s defense ended in frustration as the goalkeepers and defensive units remained vigilant.
As play resumed in the second half, St Xavier’s intensified their pursuit for an equaliser. The game saw end-to-end action with near-misses that had fans gasping. Dr S Radhakrishnan’s team, too, pushed hard to extend their lead, but they faced a resilient St Xavier’s defense that stood firm under pressure.
The turning point came just before the final whistle. In the dying moments of the match, a tense goalmouth melee ensued following a deflected strike from St Xavier’s left winger. Amidst the chaos, Asil Mujawar demonstrated remarkable presence of mind.
. He latched onto the loose ball and tapped it in, leveling the score. This dramatic equaliser ensured that both teams would share the spoils, leaving St Xavier’s camp jubilant and Dr S Radhakrishnan’s team reflecting on lost opportunities to secure all three points.
In other matches of the day, the MSSA inter-school football tournament witnessed a series of engaging encounters. Earlier, Navy Children School from Colaba delivered a football clinic, routing Ryan International School (Chembur) with an overwhelming 10-0 victory. The Navy Children displayed unrelenting offense, with Yatharth Bhatt, Nameesh Shah, and Himanshu Kumar each netting a brace. Their relentless attack was supplemented by individual goals from Yuvraj Gahlot, Arun Parmar, and Devraj Gupta. Adding to Ryan International’s miseries was an own goal, making the defeat even more stinging.
Meanwhile, Thakur Public School from Kandivli emerged victorious against St Francis ICSE, securing a 2-0 win. Key contributions came from Aryan Bongane and Aadi Tembulkar, who each scored a goal, showcasing their striking prowess and securing a win for Thakur Public School.
Another notable contest saw St Anthony’s High School from Malwani triumph over St Joseph’s High School (Juhu) in a 3-0 victory. The Koli trio — Christiano, Krish, and Daksh Koli — played pivotal roles, each registering a goal. Their synergy and teamwork were on full display, making them a formidable unit and ensuring a comprehensive win for their side.
The day’s events at the St Francis D’Assisi ground underscored the high level of competition within the MSSA inter-school football tournament. Each match, filled with talented young players, showcased aspirations and sportsmanship, reminding everyone of the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of football. As teams gear up for their next fixtures, fans can certainly look forward to more exciting matches and emerging talents. With such spirited performances, the tournament promises many more action-packed moments in the days ahead.
