In a dramatic showdown that had spectators on the edge of their seats, St Joseph’s (Orlem) emerged victorious in a nail-biting sudden death shootout against St Stanislaus High School (Bandra). The contest, part of the boys under-16 Ahmed Sailor knockout match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, took place at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Thursday. The game culminated in a 4-3 win for St Joseph’s after a tense tie-breaker session.
St Joseph’s took the spotlight in the shootout, decisively scoring their penalties courtesy of Vedant Sonar, goalkeeper Ronak Bose, Ibrahim Mohsin, and the clinching goal from Shaurya Marsha. Their impressive composure under pressure was a testament to their rigorous training and team spirit. Shaurya Marsha, the man of the moment, celebrated his decisive strike with his teammates, encapsulating the collective joy and relief following their hard-earned victory.
St Stanislaus, under the leadership of their goalkeeper and captain Jordan Kamble, showcased commendable resilience. Kamble made two vital saves during the shootout, exemplifying his leadership and skill. However, despite his heroic efforts, St Stanislaus could not clinch the victory, succumbing narrowly to St Joseph’s with the final scoreline reading 4-3 in sudden death.
The match started with much anticipation as both teams displayed their intent right from the kickoff. St Stanislaus initially appeared to have the upper hand, demonstrating fluency and sharpness in their play during the first half. They created several chances and pressed hard, keeping the St Joseph’s defense on their toes. However, their inability to convert these opportunities into goals ultimately proved to be their Achilles’ heel.
As the game progressed into the second half, the dynamics shifted. St Joseph’s adapted well to the ebb and flow of the match, nullifying St Stanislaus’ attacking threats with a solid defensive setup.
. The Orlem side remained disciplined and focused, countering with calculated moves but finding it equally challenging to break the deadlock. Both teams’ defensive prowess ensured that the match remained goalless at the end of regulation time.
As the tie-breaker loomed, the tension in the air was palpable. The shootout saw St Joseph’s converting their penalties with precision. Vedant Sonar stepped up confidently to open the scoring, followed by a stellar effort from their goalkeeper Ronak Bose, who proved his mettle both in goal and from the spot. Ibrahim Mohsin kept the momentum going before Shaurya Marsha sealed the fate of the match with his decisive strike.
On the other side, St Stanislaus’ Rohan Prajapati, Maaz Khan, and Jonathan Pires found the net with their penalties, but it was not enough to outmatch St Joseph’s tally. Despite a valiant effort, the boys from Bandra were left to rue their missed chances and what could have been a different outcome had they capitalized on their first-half dominance.
In addition to this gripping encounter, the day also saw another exciting match where Cathedral & John Connon (Fort) delivered a commanding performance against Parle Tilak ICSE (Vile Parle). The Fort-based team secured a dominant 4-0 victory, with Rian Uniyal scoring a brace. Captain Ranveer Bakshi along with Veer Kedia completed the clean sweep, underscoring their team’s excellent form in the tournament.
St Stanislaus’ goalkeeper and captain Jordan Kamble’s efforts will be remembered as he valiantly led his team through the tie-breaker, showcasing his skills and resolve. Despite the loss, his leadership on the field was undeniable.
The Ahmed Sailor knockout match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to provide thrilling encounters and remarkable performances. St Joseph’s win over St Stanislaus stands out as a classic example of determination, teamwork, and the unpredictable nature of football, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next rounds of the tournament.
