In what turned out to be a thrilling and dramatic contest, Ryan International ICSE (Chembur) and Utpal Sanghvi (Juhu) battled to a 2-2 draw in the girls’ under-16 second division of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The excitement unfolded at St Francis D’Assisi football ground in Borivli on a sunny Monday, where fans were treated to a game of fluctuating fortunes and spirited performances from both sides.
Utpal Sanghvi drew first blood, taking an early lead through their standout player, Griva Gada. It was Gada who delivered both of their goals, showcasing her skill and poise under pressure. Despite facing an initial setback, Ryan International showed tremendous resolve, and it was their star forward, Swara Pote, who rose to the occasion. Pote netted two goals for Ryan, and even though they found themselves ahead briefly, they couldn’t maintain their lead till the final whistle.
The match’s second fixture primarily centered around midfield battles, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. The lack of penetration in attacking play was a noticeable theme as both defenses held firm. Heading into halftime, the scoreline remained level at 1-1, highlighting the equality in the contest and the effort from both sets of players.
In the early moments of the second half, Ryan International surged ahead to a 2-1 lead. They looked poised to capitalize on their momentum and secure a victory. However, the Utpal Sanghvi team demonstrated remarkable perseverance and fought back admirably. The closing stages saw Utpal Sanghvi restore parity, thanks to a brilliant sequence initiated by Ruhani Bhagat, who made a breathtaking run down the left flank before providing the crucial assist.
Earlier in the day, the match that commenced the day’s proceedings featured another girls’ second division clash between Jamnabai Narsee International (Juhu) and Jankidevi Public School (Andheri). Unfortunately, the match fell short of expectations, ending in a goalless stalemate as neither team could find a way to break the deadlock, sharing the points equally.
Meanwhile, the standout performance of the day came from JBCN International (Borivali), who dominated their match against Witty International (Malad). Riding on the back of a spectacular hat-trick from the prodigious Ahana Kumar, they cruised to a convincing 4-0 victory. Preesha Patel added the finishing touch to the emphatic scoreline, ensuring maximum points for her team.
Returning to the main contest, from the very onset, the game between Ryan International and Utpal Sanghvi had all the elements of a classic.
. Both teams exhibited an immense fighting spirit and technical finesse. Utpal Sanghvi’s early advantage, resulting from Griva Gada’s excellent positioning and clinical finishing, was a clear signal of their intentions. However, Ryan’s response was swift, with Swara Pote leading the charge. Pote’s first goal was an exquisite finish, and her second, which put Ryan International ahead, came from a well-executed set-piece.
The ebb and flow of the match kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The midfield engagements were intense, with neither side willing to give an inch. The first half concluded with a balanced score, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
When play resumed, Ryan International’s early second-half goal promised much. Nonetheless, the Utpal Sanghvi team regrouped and mounted wave after wave of attack. Their breakthrough came via Ruhani Bhagat’s outstanding individual effort. Her effective run down the wing and perfect delivery to Griva Gada resulted in the all-important equalizer, concluding the match on a high note for both teams.
The outright winners of the day’s set of matches were clearly JBCN International, whose demolition of Witty International underscored their prowess. Ahana Kumar’s hat-trick was a testament to her lethal abilities in front of goal, providing a noteworthy highlight. Preesha Patel’s goal added gloss to what was already a commanding performance by JBCN International.
In conclusion, the 2-2 draw between Ryan International and Utpal Sanghvi exemplified the competitive spirit and unpredictability of youth football. Both teams earned their share of the points through diligence, resilience, and remarkable individual moments. While the tournament remains wide open, the performances of players like Griva Gada and Swara Pote have already made a significant impact. As the MSSA inter-school football tournament progresses, spectators can look forward to more such exhilarating encounters, fostering the development and enthusiasm of young talent in the sport.
