In an exhilarating day of youth football, SVKM International (Vile Parle) and Vasant Vihar (Thane) showcased their prowess at the boys Under-16 Ahmed Sailor knock-out rounds of the MSSA (Mumbai Schools Sports Association) inter-school football tournament. The matches, held at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, witnessed a blend of individual brilliance and collective team spirit, making for an unforgettable day of competition.
The headline encounter saw SVKM International secure a deserved 1-0 victory over Bai Kabibai (Bora Bazaar), courtesy of a moment of sheer magic from their captain and talisman, Maahir Shah. Shah, who has been instrumental throughout the tournament, once again proved why he is the lynchpin of the SVKM team.
In the 24th minute, Maahir Shah received the ball just inside his half and embarked on a slaloming run that saw him weave past a cluster of defenders. Demonstrating finesse and control, he burst down the right flank, outpacing the opposition’s backline. His run culminated in a composed finish as he rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net, sending the SVKM supporters into raptures.
“I just followed my instincts,” Shah stated in a post-match interview. “The space opened up in front of me, and I went for it. I am glad I could contribute to the team’s victory. We’ve worked hard to get here and every match is a step closer to our goal.”
The match was a tight affair, with both sides battling hard for supremacy. The Bai Kabibai team, though well-organized, couldn’t find the cracks in the SVKM armor. Despite relentless effort, they were unable to breach the SVKM defense, and Shah’s solitary goal proved to be the decisive factor.
Elsewhere, Vasant Vihar (Thane) faced Cambridge (Kandivli) in what turned out to be a thrilling contest ending in a nail-biting tie-breaker. The match was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time, leading to a shootout to determine the victor.
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Swarzi Patil, Palash Biwas, Dhruv Devarkar, and Rishabh Virkar stepped up for Vasant Vihar in the penalty shootout and displayed nerveless precision to ensure their team’s progression. Aditya Tiwari and Nirvaan Bhatt managed to find the net for Cambridge, but their efforts were insufficient to keep their team in the competition as Vasant Vihar emerged victorious with a 4-2 win in the tie-breaker.
“It was a pressure situation, but we had practiced for moments like these,” said Vasant Vihar’s coach. “The boys showed great composure and confidence. This win is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”
The day concluded with another enthralling match where CNS (Kandivli) triumphed over St Xavier’s (Goregaon) with a 2-0 victory. The goals came from Riddhiman Singh and captain Anirvinya Sarkar, who found the back of the net on either side of half-time.
Riddhiman Singh opened the scoring in the first half with a superb strike that left the St Xavier’s goalkeeper with no chance. Capitalizing on a well-worked team move, Singh received a precise pass at the edge of the box and unleashed a shot that nestled into the top corner of the net.
Captain Anirvinya Sarkar doubled the lead early in the second half, showcasing excellent positioning and awareness. After a scramble in the penalty area following a corner, Sarkar managed to poke the ball home, ensuring a comfortable end to the match for CNS.
“We executed our game plan perfectly,” remarked Sarkar after the match. “Every player knew their role and performed it to the best of their abilities. We’re excited to advance to the next round and continue our journey in the tournament.”
With these results, SVKM International, Vasant Vihar, and CNS march on to the next stages of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, keeping their hopes alive for the prestigious Ahmed Sailor trophy. The tournament continues to be a fertile ground for young talents to display their skills, passion, and sportsmanship, promising more action-packed days ahead.
