In a captivating display of athleticism, strategic planning, and sheer determination, Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir (AVM) from Juhu has once again established itself as a formidable force in school football by securing the MSSA girls U-16 Division-I title. The reigning champions, playing true to their potential, defended their title with an emphatic 4-0 win over Bombay Scottish (Mahim) in the tournament final held at St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Thursday.
The AVM team was led by an extraordinary performance from their striker Vamika Udeshi, who was instrumental in dismantling the opposition defense with her agility and precision. Udeshi set the tone for the match by netting a brace, bolstered by additional goals from Radhika Vyas and Rhea Murudkar. This victory showcased not just individual brilliance but a cohesive team effort that left Bombay Scottish struggling to find their rhythm.
The game kicked off with AVM asserting their dominance from the very outset. The relentless pressure paid off in just the seventh minute when Vamika Udeshi opened the scoring. Seizing upon a mistake by the Scottish custodian, Vanshika Reddy, who failed to cleanly gather a long through ball, Udeshi capitalized and sent the ball into the net, giving her team an early lead. This initial breakthrough set the stage for what was to become a highly one-sided affair.
Despite the tough ground conditions caused by intermittent rain, AVM exhibited commendable skill and adaptability. Their midfield, orchestrated by skipper Stuti Kothari and the influential Radhika Vyas, maneuvered the ball with finesse, often leaving the Scottish players chasing shadows. This tactical mastery was apparent late in the first half when Rhea Murudkar doubled AVM’s lead. Once again, the opportunity came from a defensive error by Bombay Scottish, and Murudkar made no mistake in converting it into a goal.
Just before the half-time whistle, AVM further extended their lead to 3-0. This time, it was Vyas who found the back of the net, completing a well-crafted pass from Udeshi. The precision of their combination play and their ability to exploit gaps in the opponent’s defense highlighted the tactical acumen of the AVM squad.
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As the second half resumed, AVM maintained their unyielding grip on the game. Within minutes, Vamika Udeshi struck again, this time delivering a composed finish from the right after a brilliant run down the center by Norah Bhattacharya. This goal not only reaffirmed Udeshi’s status as the standout performer of the match but also effectively sealed the victory for her team.
Post-match, AVM coach Desmond D’Souza expressed his elation with the team’s performance, especially given the challenging weather conditions. “I’m very happy with how my team played today, particularly given the tough ground conditions. I was confident of getting a positive result from this summit clash as we had studied our opposition well and executed our plans to counter their game plan,” said D’Souza. His remarks encapsulated the meticulous preparation and strategic thinking that went into securing this triumph.
In contrast, Bombay Scottish coach, Abdulla Ansari, candidly acknowledged the superiority of the AVM team. “AVM are a really good team with technically sound players. We need to work on our tactical aspects,” said Ansari. His candid admission underscored the gulf in class between the two teams on the day.
Before this thrilling final, Rustomjee Cambridge (Dahisar) claimed the third place by defeating Rustomjee Cambridge (Thane) 2-0. Naomi Soans and captain Harshini Iyer were the scorers for Dahisar, each putting in impressive performances to ensure their team’s spot on the podium.
In summary, the MSSA inter-school football tournament concluded with Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir (AVM) reaffirming their dominance in the U-16 first division with a well-deserved 4-0 victory over Bombay Scottish. This triumph, characterized by strategic excellence and outstanding individual performances, not only highlights the prowess of the AVM team but also sets a high benchmark for school-level football in the region.
