In a thrilling display of youthful football talent, St Xavier’s High School (Fort) opened their campaign on a high note, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Parle Tilak ICSE (Vile Parle) at the St Francis D’Assisi football ground in Borivli on Wednesday. The match marks the beginning of the boys’ under-16 third division league in the MSSA inter-school football tournament.
The standout players of the match, Harshit Tamang and Revanth Koyyala, formed a formidable strike partnership that proved too much for the Parle Tilak defense to handle. These two gifted forwards netted goals on either side of halftime, solidifying their team’s dominance on the pitch. Tamang opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish that left the opposing goalkeeper, Amar Bapat, with no chance. The goal set the tone for the rest of the match, one in which St Xavier’s seemed uncontainable.
The second goal came from Koyyala in the second half, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net under pressure. This dual-threat from St Xavier’s attack was instrumental in brushing aside Parle Tilak’s challenge, giving their team the maximum three points to kick-off their league season.
The St Xavier’s squad took to the field with determination and intensity from the start. Their cohesive team play and tactical discipline was evident, with each player fulfilling their role to perfection. The defense was particularly stout, denying the Parle Tilak attackers any clear chances at goal. Goalkeeper Amar Bapat’s efforts for Parle Tilak, though valiant, were insufficient against the relentless St Xavier’s offense.
“Starting the season with a win is always great,” said St Xavier’s coach. “The boys executed the game plan perfectly. Both Harshit and Revanth were exceptional today.”
Elsewhere, the second fixture of the day presented a more dramatic storyline as St Theresa High School from Bandra faced off against Billabong International School from Malad. In a game where missed chances came back to haunt them, St Theresa was left to rue their inability to convert clear-cut opportunities, ultimately falling to a solitary goal in the dying minutes of the match.
The decisive moment came courtesy of Kiyaan Bhandula, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from St Theresa.
. As the full-time whistle loomed, Bhandula found himself in the right place at the right time to slot home the winner. The goal was a culmination of Billabong’s persistent offensive efforts throughout the match, despite facing considerable resistance from the St Theresa defense.
“It’s always tough to lose like this,” reflected a dejected St Theresa coach. “We created a lot of chances but just couldn’t find the net. Credit to Billabong for staying focused till the end.”
Billabong’s win was not merely the result of a single moment of brilliance but an achievement built on solid teamwork and resilience. Their backline held firm against St Theresa’s attacks while the midfield orchestrated play with composure. Striker Kiyaan Bhandula’s late winner was the cherry on top, showcasing his opportunistic instincts under pressure.
For both games, the crowd at St Francis D’Assisi ground was treated to high-quality football, with young players demonstrating skills and sportsmanship. As the MSSA inter-school football tournament progresses, teams will look to build on their opening performances.
St Xavier’s High School’s victory places them in a strong position in their group, an encouraging sign as they aim for higher accolades this season. Their front duo of Tamang and Koyyala will undoubtedly be vital as they navigate the tournament. Similarly, Billabong International’s hard-fought win could provide the momentum needed for their upcoming fixtures.
For the losing sides, Parle Tilak ICSE and St Theresa High School, regrouping and learning from their mistakes will be crucial. Both teams showed promise but were ultimately undone by the fine margins that define competitive football.
As the tournament continues, spectators and players alike eagerly anticipate further action and drama. Each game offers the potential for rising stars to shine and for teams to stake their claim as one of the best in the inter-school football scene.
In the dynamic world of youth football, these opening matches have set an exciting precedent, promising more captivating contests in the weeks to come.
