In an exhilarating display of football, a last-gasp equalizer from Asil Mujawar enabled St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) to share points with Dr S Radhakrishnan (Malad) with a 1-1 draw in a third division league match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament at the St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, on Wednesday.
The match began with both teams adopting a cautious approach, feeling each other out and looking for opportunities to find weaknesses in their opponent’s defense. The game saw some early chances for both sides, though none were converted, keeping the scores level as the first quarter progressed. However, the deadlock was broken in the 14th minute, when Dr S Radhakrishnan’s Yash Vishwakarma leaped high to head home, capitalizing on a pinpoint delivery from Josiah Chettiar off a free-kick down the right flank. The crowd erupted in cheers as Radhakrishnan took the lead, with Vishwakarma celebrating the goal with his jubilant teammates.
Following the goal, St Xavier’s pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but found it difficult to break down a resilient Radhakrishnan defense, which stood firm under pressure. St Xavier’s dominated possession but could not find clear chances, and the first half ended with Radhakrishnan maintaining their 1-0 lead.
The second half resumed with renewed energy from both sides. St Xavier’s, sensing the urgency, continued to press forward, but Radhakrishnan’s defense remained unyielding. The game was characterized by robust defending, swift counter-attacks, and intense midfield battles, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.
As time ticked away, it seemed like Radhakrishnan’s goal would be enough to see them through. However, St Xavier’s resolutely kept pressing, and their persistence was finally rewarded in the dying moments of the match. A goalmouth melee ensued after a desperate long ball into the box, and Asil Mujawar emerged as the hero for St Xavier’s, tapping in the crucial equalizer just before the final whistle. The dramatic goal ensured a share of the spoils and left both sets of supporters with plenty to discuss.
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In another segment of the tournament, Navy Children (Colaba) displayed a dominant performance, routing Ryan International (Chembur) with an astounding 10-0 scoreline. The match was a one-sided affair from the outset, with Yatharth Bhatt, Nameesh Shah, and Himanshu Kumar each netting a brace. The goal tally was further increased by Yuvraj Gahlot, Arun Parmar, and Devraj Gupta, supplemented by an own-goal, ensuring a comprehensive victory for Navy Children.
Meanwhile, Thakur Public School (Kandivli) secured a solid 2-0 victory over St Francis ICSE. The first goal was scored by Aryan Bongane, who showcased his striking prowess, while Aadi Tembulkar doubled the lead, sealing the win for Thakur Public School.
In another contest, St Anthony’s (Malwani) emerged victorious against St Joseph’s (Juhu) with a 3-0 triumph. The trio of Christiano Koli, Krish Koli, and Daksh Koli found the back of the net, each contributing a goal to clinch the match for St Anthony’s.
The MSSA inter-school football tournament continues to excite, with schools across divisions showcasing young talent and determination. Such competitive spirit not only highlights the skills of these budding footballers but also instills in them the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience.
As the tournament progresses, the fans can expect more thrilling encounters, spectacular goals, and moments of individual brilliance. The third division league, in particular, has seen tightly contested matches, making it difficult to predict which team will emerge victorious by the end of the season.
With several matches still to be played, teams like St Xavier’s and Dr S Radhakrishnan will be looking to build on their performances and gather momentum. For now, the late equalizer from Asil Mujawar serves as a testament to the unpredictable and enthralling nature of school football, promising even more excitement in the matches to come.
