Earlier, in another playoff encounter, Army School (Colaba) recorded a significant 1-0 victory over Billabong International (Mulund). Shikha Kumari managed to score with an impressive left-footed shot right at the stroke of half-time.
Holy Cross Convent (Mira Road) emerged victorious in a tightly contested girls under-16 second division playoff of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, defeating Apostolic Carmel (Bandra) 2-1 at St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, on Monday. This win has not only boosted their morale but also secured them a coveted spot in the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Don Bosco International (Matunga).
The match began with tremendous energy from Holy Cross, who showcased their intent early on in the game. They made the dream start, taking the lead in just the third minute. Captain Fleur Gomes displayed great composure by executing a side-footed finish inside the box, guiding the ball into the bottom corner after a well-timed square pass from her teammate, Trisha Shetty.
Holy Cross’s dominant possession throughout the first half had them almost in total control. They looked determined to extend their lead, systematically breaking down the opposition with precise passes and coordinated plays. However, against the run of play, Apostolic Carmel managed to pull off an equalizer in the dying moments of the first half. Cassandra D’Mello, left unmarked, capitalized on a flag-kick taken by Adelia Picardo from the right. D’Mello’s composed finish brought the scoreline to 1-1 as the teams went into the break.
Returning for the second half, Holy Cross’s determination did not wane. They quickly regained the lead through Giselle D’Souza. D’Souza executed a neat finish to a well-worked play down the right side by Ame Monteiro, ensuring Holy Cross was back on top.
. This goal proved crucial as it set the tone for the remainder of the match, with Holy Cross focusing on maintaining their lead while Apostolic Carmel tried to claw back into the game.
Among the standout performers was captain Fleur Gomes, who not only scored the opening goal but also led her team courageously throughout the match. Her leadership qualities, combined with her on-field skills, proved invaluable for Holy Cross. Giselle D’Souza also garnered significant attention with her crucial second-half goal and work rate, which helped seal the victory for her team.
In contrast, Apostolic Carmel, despite their valiant efforts, struggled to dominate possession as Holy Cross maintained a stringent defense. Players like Cassandra D’Mello and Adelia Picardo gave it their all, but it wasn’t enough to outshine the disciplined performance of their opponents.
Earlier in the day, another major playoff encounter saw Army School (Colaba) secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Billabong International (Mulund). The decisive moment came just before the half-time whistle when Shikha Kumari netted an impressive left-footed strike, proving to be the game-winner for Army School. This performance underscores the competitive nature of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, where every goal and every moment of defensive or offensive play can be the difference between victory and defeat.
The win for Holy Cross has set the stage for an exciting quarter-final clash against Don Bosco International (Matunga). With both teams gearing up, it promises to be another thrilling encounter in this year’s MSSA inter-school football tournament. Holy Cross will enter the match with a heightened sense of accomplishment and confidence, thanks to their recent performance.
As we look forward to the upcoming matches, it’s clear that the MSSA inter-school football tournament is living up to its reputation for delivering high-stakes, thrilling football action. The performances so far have been a testament to the skill, determination, and sportsmanship exhibited by these young athletes. The football community will be eagerly watching to see who will emerge as the ultimate champions in this fiercely competitive and prestigious tournament.
