St Francis ICSE’s football team kicked off their campaign in the boys’ U-16 third division league of the MSSA inter-school football tournament with a commanding 3-0 win against St Sebastian High School (Chembur) at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Thursday. Midfielders Arjun Malya and Erwyn D’Souza along with substitute Sahil Getwa each found the net, propelling D’Assisi boys to an impressive start in their Group E opener.
The game began with St Francis showcasing substantial ball control, dictating the pace and tempo from the outset. Taking full advantage of their domination in possession, they relentlessly pushed forward, attacking well and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Their constant pressure finally paid off as Arjun Malya managed to break the deadlock before the halftime whistle, giving St Francis a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Upon resumption after the brief interval, St Sebastian found themselves in a perilous position, having been pinned back deep into their own half. Their defensive strategy, which solely focused on damage control, turned out to be a crucial mistake. St Francis recognized the vulnerability and pressed harder. Midfielder Erwyn D’Souza was quick to capitalize on the situation, doubling St Francis’ advantage with a precise finish.
Not letting up, St Francis continued to mount pressure. The introduction of substitute Sahil Getwa added fresh impetus to their attacking force. Getwa made an immediate impact, registering the third goal that cemented their dominance and rounded off the 3-0 victory in style. This win sets a strong tone for St Francis ICSE as they look forward to their subsequent fixtures in the league.
In another notable game on the same day, Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) and Thakur Public School (Kandivli) ended their contest in a goalless draw. Jamnabai’s attacking force appeared more threatening compared to Thakur, yet their attempts lacked the necessary creativity to break the deadlock. Despite multiple efforts, both teams walked away without scoring, settling for a point each.
Meanwhile, in a more one-sided encounter, St Anthony’s (Malvani) thoroughly overwhelmed St Blaise (Amboli) with a resounding 5-0 victory.
. The highlight of the match was a splendid hat-trick by their captain, Jeet Natke. Natke’s leadership and clinical finishing in front of goal were instrumental, but he was not the only one to shine. Teammates Christian Koli and Manas Supugade each contributed with a goal, ensuring St Anthony’s dominance was thoroughly reflected in the scoreline.
This series of matches not only set the stage for an exciting football season but also provided early insights into the form and potential of the respective teams. St Francis ICSE’s display of composure and tactical execution suggests they will be a force to reckon with as the tournament progresses. The synergy between their midfielders and forwards proved effective, and their ability to adapt and exploit the opposition’s weaknesses was noteworthy.
Jamnabai Narsee and Thakur Public School, although unable to produce a decisive result, demonstrated resilience in defense. However, they will need to address their creative deficiencies upfront to convert their defensive solidity into match-winning performances.
On the flip side, St Anthony’s (Malvani) set a high benchmark with their emphatic win against St Blaise. Their offensive prowess spearheaded by Jeet Natke’s hat-trick highlights their capability to dismantle defenses with relative ease. The confidence gained from such a decisive victory could serve as a significant boost as they navigate through the tournament’s challenging landscape.
As the MSSA inter-school football tournament unfolds, expectations will build for continued thrilling performances and tactical battles. Teams like St Francis ICSE, with their commanding opening win, and St Anthony’s with their goal-laden display, have already marked themselves as early favorites. The subsequent fixtures are eagerly anticipated by football enthusiasts, promising a mix of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
In summary, the opening rounds of the U-16 third division league clearly signal that the participating teams are well-prepared and eager to showcase their footballing talents. The wins, draws, and dramatic goals have brought the tournament to a buzzing start, setting a high standard for what lies ahead. Soccer fans and stakeholders alike await more captivating moments and inspiring young athletes in this keenly contested inter-school competition.
