Wednesday’s MSSA inter-school football tournament delivered an electrifying matchup between Dr S Radhakrishnan (Malad) and St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli. The pulsating encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, thanks to a dramatic last-minute equaliser from St Xavier’s Asil Mujawar.
The contest began with both teams exhibiting high energy and determination to dominate the early proceedings. The first significant moment came in the 14th minute when Radhakrishnan’s Yash Vishwakarma made his mark. A precision free-kick from Josiah Chettiar found Vishwakarma, who soared above defenders and expertly headed the ball into the back of the net, giving Dr S Radhakrishnan a crucial 1-0 lead. His exuberant celebration summed up the importance of the goal, putting immense pressure on the St Xavier’s squad.
Despite the early setback, St Xavier’s High School rallied and increased their efforts to find an equaliser. Their coordination and passing play showed episodes of promise, though they failed to convert their opportunities through the first half. Radhakrishnan’s defense, led by their composed goalkeeper, held strong, parrying any attempts to restore parity before the break.
As the teams emerged from halftime, it became evident that St Xavier’s had recalibrated their strategy. The second half saw St Xavier’s intensify their attacking endeavors. However, Dr S Radhakrishnan responded with steadfast defense, hoping to maintain their slender lead. The tension in the air was palpable as both teams fought tooth and nail, with tackles becoming crunchier and players scrapping for every ball.
St Xavier’s persistence was finally rewarded in the dying moments of the match. With just seconds remaining on the referee’s clock, a scrappy goalmouth melee ensued following a corner kick.
. The ball ricocheted off several players before falling to Asil Mujawar, who showed remarkable composure to tap it in amidst the chaos, securing a crucial equaliser for his team right before the final whistle. The late equalising goal created a frenzied celebration among the St Xavier’s players and supporters, who had almost resigned to a loss.
The result not only provided a thrilling climax to an intensely competitive match but also highlighted the unpredictability and excitement that the MSSA inter-school football tournament embodies. Due credit must be given to both teams for their spirited performances and the sportsmanship displayed throughout the game.
Elsewhere in the MSSA tournament, another riveting encounter saw Navy Children (Colaba) dismantle Ryan International (Chembur) with a resounding 10-0 victory. Yatharth Bhatt, Nameesh Shah, and Himanshu Kumar each scored twice, while Yuvraj Gahlot, Arun Parmar, and Devraj Gupta also added to the tally, complemented by an own goal from the opposition. This dominant performance underlined the attacking prowess and fluid football Navy Children are capable of, marking them as one of the strong contenders in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Thakur Public School (Kandivli) overcame St Francis ICSE with a 2-0 victory. Aryan Bongane and Aadi Tembulkar found the back of the net, ensuring a comfortable win for their team. Similarly, St Anthony’s (Malwani) cruised to a 3-0 victory against St Joseph’s (Juhu), with goals from Christiano Koli, Krish Koli, and Daksh Koli. These matches reflect the high competitive standards and the thrilling football action characteristic of the inter-school league.
The series of enthralling matches, particularly the last-gasp draw between Dr S Radhakrishnan and St Xavier’s, underscores the relentless determination and competitive spirit thriving in school football. As the tournament progresses, teams will undoubtedly continue to show exemplary skill, strategy, and sportsmanship as they vie for the coveted league title. The MSSA inter-school football tournament, thus, remains an essential platform for young talents to showcase their capabilities and for fans to witness the future stars of the sport in action.
