In an impressive display of skill and coordination, Don Bosco International (Matunga) maintained their winning streak as they triumphed over JB Petit (Fort) with a decisive 3-0 victory in a girls’ U-16 second division match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The match took place on Friday at the St Francis D’Assisi football ground in Borivli, showcasing the dominance of the Don Bosco team right from the outset.
From the first whistle, Don Bosco girls exhibited complete control over the proceedings, leaving JB Petit scrambling to keep up. The game was marked by the relentless pressure imposed by Don Bosco, who seemed barely tested by their opponents. The ease with which Don Bosco accumulated the three crucial points demonstrated their superior gameplay and strategy.
Nakeesha Walia emerged as the star player for Don Bosco, netting a remarkable brace. Her first goal came in the 12th minute, breaking the deadlock after receiving a precise square pass from the left flank. The neat finish highlighted her technical prowess and composed demeanor under pressure. This early goal set the tone for the rest of the match, putting JB Petit on the back foot.
The lack of a cohesive midfield proved to be a significant disadvantage for JB Petit. Struggling to advance the ball out of their own half, they committed several defensive errors, which Don Bosco ruthlessly exploited. Nakeesha struck again to further extend the lead, and her teammate Aditi Sakaria capitalized on another defensive lapse to seal the tally, adding a third goal to the scoreboard.
Don Bosco’s tactical advantage was evident not only in their defensive organization but also in their offensive maneuvers. The team maintained a territorial upper hand, constantly pressuring JB Petit’s defense, which often seemed precariously close to conceding more goals. The fluent passing and efficient ball distribution by Don Bosco players kept their opponents on edge, making it difficult for JB Petit to regain control.
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The matchup between Nakeesha Walia and JB Petit’s Thea Parmar was particularly intense, with both players demonstrating significant skill and determination. Despite their efforts, JB Petit could not counter the well-coordinated attacks from Don Bosco. The teamwork and strategic positioning by Don Bosco were key to their commanding performance, as they frequently disrupted JB Petit’s attempts to build any significant momentum.
In addition to Nakeesha’s notable performance, Aditi Sakaria’s contribution cannot be overlooked. Her quick thinking and agility in the penalty area were instrumental in securing the third and final goal, further demoralizing the JB Petit side. Aditi’s goal was a testament to Don Bosco’s depth in talent and their ability to create goal-scoring opportunities through persistent pressure.
While Don Bosco clinched their victory with relative ease, the opening match of the day featured a more balanced encounter between Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) and Gopal Sharma International (Powai). This game concluded in a goalless draw, indicating a closely contested battle between the two teams. Both teams displayed strong defensive capabilities, preventing any goals and showcasing a different style of play compared to the high-scoring affair between Don Bosco and JB Petit.
The performance of Don Bosco International in this MSSA inter-school football tournament match underscores their status as a formidable team in the U-16 category. Their ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes positions them as strong contenders for future fixtures. It also highlights the importance of cohesive team play and strategic planning in achieving success at this level of competitive football.
As the tournament progresses, eyes will undoubtedly be on Don Bosco to see if they can sustain their winning momentum. For now, their commanding 3-0 victory over JB Petit serves as a clear statement of their prowess on the football field, driven by star players like Nakeesha Walia and Aditi Sakaria, whose performances continue to elevate their team’s standing in the league.
