In a riveting encounter on Wednesday at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, a last-gasp equalizer from Asil Mujawar enabled St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) to pull off a 1-1 draw against Dr S Radhakrishnan (Malad) in a third division league match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament.
The match began with both teams eager to seize early control. Dr S Radhakrishnan’s team displayed impressive form and coordination right from the start. Their unwavering efforts paid off in the 14th minute, when Yash Vishwakarma headed home following a pinpoint delivery from Josiah Chettiar off a free-kick from the right side. Vishwakarma’s goal was celebrated enthusiastically by his teammates, setting an early tone for the game.
Despite the early lead, Dr S Radhakrishnan’s side did not ease their efforts. They continued to press forward, seeking to extend their advantage. However, St Xavier’s defense, led by a rock-solid backline, managed to thwart multiple attempts. The first half concluded with Dr S Radhakrishnan maintaining their slender 1-0 lead.
As the second half commenced, St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) came out with renewed vigor, determined to level the match. They created several scoring opportunities, but Dr S Radhakrishnan’s goalkeeper stood tall, making crucial saves to keep his team in the lead. The match was characterized by intense midfield battles and frequent end-to-end action, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Time seemed to be running out for St Xavier’s, who were trailing by a single goal. Despite facing a resolute defense, the team did not lose hope. Their persistence finally bore fruit in the dying moments of the game. During a goalmouth melee just before the final whistle, Asil Mujawar managed to tap the ball into the net, securing a dramatic equalizer for St Xavier’s. The late goal brought the game to a thrilling conclusion, ensuring that both teams shared the points.
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The exciting 1-1 draw between Dr S Radhakrishnan and St Xavier’s was not the only highlight of the day. In an earlier, markedly one-sided match, Navy Children (Colaba) showcased their dominant form by routing Ryan International (Chembur) with an astonishing scoreline of 10-0. The match saw contributions from multiple scorers, including Yatharth Bhatt, Nameesh Shah, and Himanshu Kumar, each netting a brace. Yuvraj Gahlot, Arun Parmar, and Devraj Gupta also added their names to the scoresheet, along with an own-goal, marking a comprehensive victory for Navy Children.
Additionally, Thakur Public School (Kandivli) emerged victorious against St Francis ICSE with a score of 2-0. The goals were scored by Aryan Bongane and Aadi Tembulkar, securing a comfortable win for Thakur Public School. In another notable performance, St Anthony’s (Malwani) defeated St Joseph’s (Juhu) with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The trio of Christiano Koli, Krish Koli, and Daksh Koli each found the back of the net, underscoring their team’s offensive prowess.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to deliver thrilling matches and notable performances, highlighting the talent and passion for football among the participating schools. The draw between Dr S Radhakrishnan and St Xavier’s underscores the unpredictability and excitement that the sport consistently offers.
As the tournament progresses, teams will look to build on their performances, aiming for a stronger finish. For fans and participants, the tournament remains a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and for teams to demonstrate their collective spirit and determination.
In the midst of competitive matchups, the MSSA inter-school football tournament serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and the joy of the game. Every match brings with it the promise of new stories, unforgettable moments, and the potential for future football stars to emerge. With several more games left to play, there is much anticipation for what the remainder of the tournament holds. The participating teams, coaches, and supporters alike are all set for what promises to be an exhilarating journey ahead.
