In a stunning turn of events that continues to astonish football enthusiasts, the young squad from Children’s National School (CNS) in Kandivli has marched into the semi-finals of the boy’s U-16 Ahmed Sailor bracket at the prestigious MSSA inter-school football tournament. Their journey, which has been marked by unexpected victories and relentless determination, saw another chapter written on Tuesday at the St Francis D’Assisi ground.
CNS, already riding high from their remarkable 1-0 victory against Don Bosco’s Matunga team in the previous round, proved their mettle once more. This time, they overcame another formidable opponent from Don Bosco, Borivli, by a decisive 2-0 scoreline. The match, characterized by its swift pace and strategic gameplay, saw CNS emerging as a team to watch out for in the tournament.
The victory for CNS didn’t come easy but was secured through key contributions from players Anjaney Pandey and Riddhiman Singh. The duo struck at critical junctures of the game, with Pandey drawing first blood in the 14th minute of the match. The goal, which seemed to catch the Bosco boys off-guard, resulted from a well-orchestrated effort by Anirvinya Sarkar. Sarkar, who has been instrumental in the midfield, sliced through the left flank, providing Pandey with a sublime opportunity that he calmly converted into a goal.
As the first half unfolded, the Borivli team had their moments, creating several goal-scoring chances, but their efforts were continually thwarted by CNS’s robust defense. The teams went into the break with CNS leading by a single goal, but the match’s second half was where things truly heated up.
Don Bosco, in a bid to turn the match in their favor, made tactical changes with a couple of substitutions. However, despite their attempts to bring freshness and focus into their gameplay, the discipline in ball retention and passing seemed to evade them.
. Moreover, a costly miss from a promising free-kick opportunity diminished their chances further, leaving them vulnerable to CNS’s counterattacks.
The clincher came when Riddhiman Singh seized his opportunity to cement CNS’s lead. Exploiting a lapse in Don Bosco’s defensive lineup, Singh capitalized on the situation, sending CNS supporters into euphoria with his decisive goal. Singh’s strike effectively sealed the game, showcasing the attacking prowess and versatile skill set that CNS has brought to this year’s tournament.
As CNS continues to rise as the tournament’s dark horse, their impressive form is being widely acknowledged. What distinguishes CNS in this competition is not just their tenacity and tactical acumen but also their capacity to exploit the weaknesses of traditionally strong teams such as Don Bosco. Their ability to stay composed under pressure and convert critical moments into scoring opportunities has become a hallmark of their play style.
Their coach, who attributes this success to a mix of strategic planning and the players’ unwavering confidence, has emphasized maintaining focus as they approach the semi-finals. As CNS gears up for their next challenge, their journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that school-level football can deliver.
In contrast, the teams they’ve defeated, including Matunga and Borivli, are left to ponder over missed opportunities and defensive lapses. These defeats serve as valuable lessons, bringing attention to the necessity of consistent defensive strategies and the importance of capitalizing on goal-scoring opportunities in future matches.
Looking ahead, football aficionados are eager to see whether CNS’s fairytale run will continue into the finals, or if they will face new trials that could alter the course of their tournament journey. For now, CNS stands poised to make history, as each victory adds momentum to their remarkable ascent in the U-16 Ahmed Sailor football tournament.
