Rustomjee Cambridge International School (Dahisar) showcased a formidable performance in their quarterfinal clash against Lakshadham (Goregaon), sealing a 4-0 victory and securing their spot in the semi-finals of the girls under-16 first division in the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The game, held at St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, on Tuesday, witnessed an extraordinary display of skill and teamwork from Rustomjee.
From the outset, Rustomjee controlled the pace of the game, maintaining possession and launching continuous attacks on Lakshadham’s defense. Despite their early dominance, Rustomjee managed only a single goal in the first half. Vedika Kulkarni, although short-statured, proved to be a giant in the game by scoring a brace. Her first goal came after a well-executed play, giving Rustomjee a 1-0 lead at half-time.
The second half saw Rustomjee intensify their efforts. Lakshadham, struggling to find rhythm and possession, found themselves on the back foot, unable to contain Rustomjee’s relentless offensive plays. Captain Harshini Iyer further extended the lead with a precise strike, followed by Alisha Mehta who sealed the victory with a goal of her own. This trio of scorers ensured that Rustomjee’s dominance was reflected on the scoreboard.
Rustomjee’s captain, Harshini Iyer, had an outstanding performance not only with her goal but also with her overall play as a midfielder. She kept the team’s attack organized and consistently disruptive to the opposition’s defense. The team’s strategy of pressing high and relentless attacking paid off as Lakshadham struggled to keep up.
Placed in the top half of the tournament draw, Rustomjee now awaits a challenging semi-final match against the winner of the clash between reigning champions AVM (Juhu) and St Lawrence High School (Borivli). This match is scheduled to take place in the morning session today, setting the stage for an exciting next round in the competition.
Rustomjee’s road to the semi-finals has marked them as a formidable force in this tournament. Not only have they shown skill and cohesion, but their ability to dominate possession and convert opportunities into goals has been key to their success.
. The addition of three goals in the second half against Lakshadham highlighted their ability to persist and adapt during the game’s progression.
The tournament, organized under the aegis of the MSSA, has seen noteworthy performances from various teams. However, Rustomjee’s recent match illustrated their prowess, particularly with their strategic gameplay and execution. The team’s approach was methodical, wearing down the opponent’s defense and in due course, capitalizing on the created opportunities.
Besides Rustomjee’s compelling performance, another noteworthy fixture in the tournament is the playoff match scheduled for later today. Bombay Scottish (Mahim) will face Thakur Public School (Kandivli) in a battle for a semi-final berth. This match promises to be another thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a position in the penultimate round of the tournament.
The atmosphere at St Francis D’Assisi ground was electric, with spectators witnessing a high level of school football. It was clear from the outset that Rustomjee came prepared, showcasing their tactical training and sporting discipline. The team’s cohesion was evident as they moved the ball fluidly, creating several scoring opportunities that kept the Lakshadham goalkeeper on high alert.
The story of the match was not only about the goals but also about how well Rustomjee managed the game. The defense was resolute, allowing very few chances for Lakshadham to penetrate and threaten their goal. This balance of strong defense and an aggressive offense is what makes Rustomjee a team to watch as the tournament progresses to the more challenging stages.
As Rustomjee Cambridge International School strides confidently into the semi-finals, their journey in the MSSA inter-school football tournament can be seen as a blend of talent, preparation, and tactical acumen. With formidable opponents lying ahead, it remains to be seen how they will leverage their strengths to continue their winning streak and possibly clinch the championship title.
Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the semi-final matches, hoping to witness more exhilarating football and possibly see Rustomjee carrying their dominant form all the way to the final. With the semi-final just around the corner, Rustomjee’s victory against Lakshadham remains a testament to their skill and determination in the under-16 girls’ football scene.
