In a dynamic day of school football competition, St Lawrence High School (Kandivli) and Don Bosco (Matunga) each secured crucial victories to ensure their advancement into the playoffs of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. These wins came as a significant boost for both teams as they aim for the championship in the U-16 category, Group ‘A’.
St Lawrence High School showcased a combination of skill, resilience, and team strategy to clinch a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Christ Church School (Byculla). This encounter took place at the St Francis D’Assisi High School ground in Borivli on a promising Friday afternoon.
From the initial whistle, it was evident that St Lawrence was on a mission to dominate. The first significant breakthrough came through Anush More, who launched a spectacular long-range shot that found the back of the net, providing his team with an early lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game. This goal highlighted More’s ability to take decisive actions on the field, lifting the spirits of his teammates and making the supporters erupt in cheers.
The second half continued to see St Lawrence exerting relentless pressure on the opposition. Their persistent efforts paid off when Tanish Mahadik embarked on an impressive solo run, effortlessly maneuvering past defenders and securing the second goal. Mahadik’s remarkable demonstration of individual skill underscored the depth of talent within the St Lawrence squad. This goal effectively sealed the match in their favor, recording their second successive win and confirming their spot in the playoffs. Their previous performance, a 3-1 triumph over Smt RSB AVM (Juhu), further solidified their growing reputation as a formidable team in the tournament.
Parallelly, another thrilling first-division match took place, where the reigning champions Don Bosco (Matunga) faced off against the resilient former champions, Campion School (Cooperage). The match, held on the same ground, was a nail-biting contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. Both teams exhibited a high level of tactical awareness and competitive spirit.
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As the match appeared to be heading towards a draw, Don Bosco’s consistent scorer Adair D’Souza emerged as the savior, netting a decisive goal at the death. D’Souza’s timely intervention not only broke the deadlock but also ensured that his team secured a crucial 1-0 victory. This win, their second of the tournament, assured Don Bosco’s entry into the playoffs, showcasing their resourcefulness and tenacity in crunch situations. The defending champions have once again proven their capability to perform under pressure, maintaining their status as strong contenders for the title.
Meanwhile, in another significant turn of events, Bombay Scottish (Mahim) managed to reclaim their winning form. They faced Cathedral & John Connon (Fort) and delivered a solid 1-0 performance. After experiencing a 0-2 defeat to Don Bosco (Matunga) in an earlier match, the Bombay Scottish squad was determined to make a comeback. Their strategy bore fruit when skipper Raghav Kanodia seized an early opportunity, scoring the winning goal in the ninth minute of the first half. Kanodia’s leadership and on-pitch vision were key factors in this victory, as his goal inspired confidence throughout the team. This win was crucial for Bombay Scottish, restoring their momentum and keeping their hopes alive in the competition.
These series of victories and intense matches highlighted the fierce competitive atmosphere of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The performances of St Lawrence, Don Bosco, and Bombay Scottish underscored not only the talent but also the determination and tactical prowess present in this year’s tournament participants.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the continuation of the playoffs, expecting even more breathtaking encounters and standout performances as the teams edge closer to the coveted MSSA championship title. The journey towards ultimate glory in the U-16 Group ‘A’ category is set to become even more thrilling as these young athletes continue to demonstrate their potential and passion for the sport.
