In a thrilling third division league match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) managed to pull off a last-minute equaliser against Dr S Radhakrishnan (Malad), resulting in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday afternoon at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli.
The match started with Dr S Radhakrishnan dominating early play. The team’s effort bore fruit in the 14th minute when Yash Vishwakarma leaped into action. Following an expertly delivered free-kick from Josiah Chettiar, Vishwakarma’s timely header sent the ball soaring past the St Xavier’s goalkeeper, putting Dr S Radhakrishnan in the lead. The team celebrated jubilantly, with Vishwakarma being hoisted up by his delighted teammates, clearly driven by the momentum of their early advantage.
St Xavier’s, however, did not lose heart. They struggled to find their rhythm but continued to fend off multiple assaults by Dr S Radhakrishnan’s forward line. The tension on the pitch was palpable as the clock ticked away, moving into the second half with St Xavier’s players showing increasing determination to even the score.
As the second half progressed, St Xavier’s attempted to close the gap with a series of strategic plays. Despite their best efforts, however, they were repeatedly thwarted by Radhakrishnan’s solid defense. But, just as it appeared Dr S Radhakrishnan would walk away with a victory, the dramatic climax took place. In the dying moments of the match, a goalmouth melee ensued, creating chaos in the penalty area. Seizing the moment, Asil Mujawar tapped the ball into the net, sending the St Xavier’s contingent into rapture. The final whistle blew seconds later, confirming the 1-1 draw.
This result was another reminder of the fierce competitiveness that defines these school-level league matches. Both teams showcased tremendous skill and determination, making it a memorable contest for spectators.
Earlier in the day, the tournament featured several other notable matches. Navy Children (Colaba) dominated their game against Ryan International (Chembur) with a staggering 10-0 victory. The star performers included Yatharth Bhatt, Nameesh Shah, and Himanshu Kumar, each scoring two goals.
. Additional goals came from Yuvraj Gahlot, Arun Parmar, and Devraj Gupta, as well as an own-goal by a Ryan International player.
In another exciting game, Thakur Public School (Kandivli) secured a 2-0 victory over St Francis ICSE. Aryan Bongane and Aadi Tembulkar each found the back of the net, securing the win for their team. Meanwhile, St Anthony’s (Malwani) triumphed over St Joseph’s (Juhu) with a 3-0 scoreline, thanks to goals from Christiano Koli, Krish Koli, and Daksh Koli.
These results highlight the diverse talents and competitive spirit alive in the MSSA inter-school football tournament. Young footballers from various schools not only get the opportunity to showcase their skills but also gain invaluable experience in high-pressure game situations.
The even draw between St Xavier’s and Dr S Radhakrishnan added yet another chapter to the already intriguing narrative of this league. Coach Amit Desai of Dr S Radhakrishnan expressed both pride and disappointment after the match, stating, “We played exceptionally well and had control for the most part. However, credit to St Xavier’s for their relentless spirit. Games like these are what make the sport so exciting and unpredictable.”
Meanwhile, Coach Harish Iyer of St Xavier’s had high praises for his team’s resilience. “We were under tremendous pressure after conceding early, but the boys never gave up. Asil’s goal was the result of constant effort and belief. This match is a testimony to the never-say-die attitude we try to instill in our players.”
As the MSSA inter-school football tournament continues, fans can expect more dynamic and action-packed matches. Both Dr S Radhakrishnan and St Xavier’s will be looking to capitalize on their performances as they move forward in the tournament. While Dr S Radhakrishnan will aim to tighten their defense to maintain leads, St Xavier’s will be motivated by their ability to score crucial goals in critical moments. This game serves as a perfect prelude to the excitement and unpredictability that lies ahead in the tournament.
