In a thrilling start to the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football tournament’s boys under-16 third division league, St Xavier’s High School (Fort) and Billabong International (Malad) secured victories in their opening matches held at St Francis D’Assisi football ground, Borivli, on Wednesday.
The day began on a high note for St Xavier’s High School (Fort), which made an impressive start to their campaign by accumulating the maximum three points from their inaugural fixture. The effective striking duo of Harshit Tamang and Revanth Koyyala showcased their prowess, finding the net on either side of half-time to seal a 2-0 victory over Parle Tilak ICSE (Vile Parle).
With meticulous footwork and strategic play, Harshit Tamang opened the scoring for the Fort school midway through the first half. The goal emanated from a well-coordinated attack, leaving Parle Tilak ICSE’s defense scrambling to prevent the inevitable. Following the break, Revanth Koyyala doubled the lead, delivering a powerful strike that sailed past Parle Tilak’s goalkeeper, Amar Bapat, who was left with little chance to make the save.
St Xavier’s triumph was marked by a robust defense that successfully thwarted numerous attempts by Parle Tilak ICSE to claw back into the game. Their goalkeeper also exhibited commendable skill, ensuring a clean sheet and a victorious start to the tournament for his team. “This win is a testament to our preparation and teamwork,” said Revanth Koyyala post-match. “Our focus is now on building momentum and performing consistently throughout the competition.”
On the other hand, the second match of the day saw St Theresa High School (Bandra) facing Billabong International (Malad), adding another chapter to an eventful day. St Theresa High School showed promise with several attacking opportunities, but their inability to convert these chances ultimately proved costly. Numerous missed opportunities in front of the goal left St Theresa ruing their fortunes.
It was a tense and evenly matched game, with both teams striving to break the deadlock. It looked set to end in a stalemate until the final moments when Billabong International capitalized on a defensive error by St Theresa. Kiyaan Bhandula, demonstrating excellent poise and timing, seized the chance to score the decisive goal in the dying seconds of the match.
. “It was a well-fought battle,” expressed Kiyaan afterward. “Both teams played with great spirit, but we were fortunate to capitalize on a crucial mistake.”
The day’s matches painted a vivid picture of the competitive nature of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. Not only did St Xavier’s and Billabong International secure crucial early victories, but they also set the pace for an enticing tournament ahead. Coaches from both winning teams reflected on their performances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and adapting strategies for the upcoming fixtures.
“We prepared thoroughly and it paid off today,” noted the coach of St Xavier’s, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s execution of the game plan. “However, this is just the beginning. We have a long way to go and many challenges ahead.”
From the perspective of the St Theresa team, the loss was a hard pill to swallow, but the experience is considered a valuable lesson. Their coach mentioned, “It’s disappointing to lose, especially after creating so many chances. We need to work on our finishing and ensure such mistakes don’t recur.”
As the MSSA inter-school football tournament progresses, the enthusiasm and anticipation continue to grow. With each passing match, teams are eager to showcase their skills and chase the coveted title, making every fixture a thrilling spectacle for fans and participants alike.
The victories for St Xavier’s High School (Fort) and Billabong International (Malad) have undeniably set a high bar for the tournament, promising an exhilarating series of matches as schools vie for supremacy in this esteemed competition. With their first wins in the bag, these teams will undoubtedly be ones to watch as the tournament unfolds.
