Midfielders Arjun Malya and Erwyn D’Souza, along with substitute Sahil Getwa, each found the back of the net as hosts St Francis ICSE triumphed over St Sebastian High School (Chembur) in their opening Group E match. This decisive encounter marks the onset of the boys U-16 third division league of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, held at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Thursday.
As the match unfolded, St Francis ICSE displayed exceptional control of the game, maintaining the bulk of the possession. From the outset, their intention to dominate was evident as they orchestrated attack after attack. It was not long before their efforts bore fruit, as the team surged to a 1-0 lead before the half-time whistle. However, this was just the beginning of their commanding performance.
Upon the resumption of play, St Sebastian found themselves in a precarious position. Their strategy of playing deep inside their own half proved to be their undoing as St Francis capitalized on this defensive lapse. The hosts struck two more times to cement their lead, with goals coming from Malya, D’Souza, and substitute Getwa, who made an immediate impact after coming on. Celebrations erupted as Erwyn D’Souza, who played a key role in the midfield, jubilantly shared the moment with his teammates, capturing the essence of their collaborative triumph.
In addition to the exhilarating performance by St Francis ICSE, the day’s events featured other noteworthy matches. In a goalless draw, Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) and Thakur Public School (Kandivli) faced off in a closely contested match. Despite the lack of goals, Jamnabai Narsee appeared the more threatening side, although their efforts were stymied by a lack of creativity in front of goal that ultimately resulted in a stalemate.
Meanwhile, St Anthony’s (Malvani) showcased their offensive prowess with an overwhelming 5-0 win against St Blaise (Amboli).
. This match featured a standout performance by skipper Jeet Natke, who scored a hat-trick, ensuring his team’s dominance throughout. Additional goals from Christian Koli and Manas Supugade contributed to the comprehensive nature of the victory, rounding off a day of mixed fortunes for the various participating teams.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to be a breeding ground for young talent, with each match serving as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring footballers. The competition brings together teams from various schools, providing a platform for players to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. For St Francis ICSE, the opening match was an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the season, and they did so with aplomb.
St Francis ICSE’s coach, reflecting on the match, praised his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to maintain possession and execute their game plan effectively. He noted the contributions of key players like Malya and D’Souza, who controlled the midfield and created numerous scoring opportunities. The introduction of Getwa added a fresh dynamic to the team’s offensive lineup, ultimately leading to the third goal that sealed the victory.
As the tournament progresses, St Francis ICSE will undoubtedly be one to watch, given their promising start and the depth of talent within their squad. The team will aim to build on this early success, knowing that consistency and continuous improvement are essential as they face stiffer challenges ahead.
In summary, St Francis ICSE’s 3-0 win against St Sebastian High School (Chembur) was not just a scoreline; it was a statement of intent. The combination of strategic play, effective team coordination, and individual brilliance culminated in a performance that sets a high benchmark for the remainder of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. Football enthusiasts and supporters of the participating schools are eagerly anticipating the next round of matches, where the quest for glory will continue in this fiercely competitive league.
