In an exhilarating third division clash in the MSSA inter-school football tournament, Dr S Radhakrishnan (Malad) and St Xavier’s High School (Mira Road) battled to a 1-1 draw at the St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, on Wednesday. The match, teeming with excitement from start to finish, saw a last-minute equaliser from St Xavier’s that sealed the fate for both teams.
The tension was palpable right from the opening whistle as both schools looked to assert their dominance early on. Dr S Radhakrishnan’s squad drew first blood in the 14th minute. An expertly delivered free-kick from Josiah Chettiar found the head of Yash Vishwakarma, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net. The crowd erupted into cheers as Vishwakarma celebrated with his teammates, providing their school with an early lead.
The first half continued with both teams displaying spirited aggression and tactical plays, giving fans plenty to cheer about. However, despite an intense offensive effort from St Xavier’s, they were unable to break through Dr S Radhakrishnan’s defence before the halftime whistle blew.
The second half began much like the first, with St Xavier’s striving to get back on level terms and Dr S Radhakrishnan attempting to extend their lead. Goalkeepers from both teams were tested frequently, making several crucial saves to keep their respective teams in the game.
As the clock wound down, it seemed that Dr S Radhakrishnan would be able to hold on to their slender lead. However, the resilient St Xavier’s side had other plans. With just minutes remaining, a melee ensued in Dr S Radhakrishnan’s goalmouth. The ball pinged around the penalty area, creating a sense of chaos. Amidst the confusion, Asil Mujawar managed to tap it in, bringing St Xavier’s back into the match right before the final whistle.
. The equaliser sparked jubilation among the St Xavier’s players and their supporters, sealing a hard-fought and thrilling 1-1 draw.
The drama of this match was mirrored in other fixtures of the day. At another contested match, Navy Children (Colaba) utterly dominated Ryan International (Chembur) with a striking 10-0 victory. Yatharth Bhatt, Nameesh Shah, and Himanshu Kumar each netted two goals, while Yuvraj Gahlot, Arun Parmar, and Devraj Gupta each added a goal. Additionally, Ryan International’s misery was compounded by an own-goal, adding to their considerable defeat.
Thakur Public School (Kandivli) also showcased an impressive performance, notching a 2-0 win over St Francis ICSE. The goals came courtesy of Aryan Bongane and Aadi Tembulkar, ensuring Thakur Public a comfortable victory.
Meanwhile, St Anthony’s (Malwani) defeated St Joseph’s (Juhu) in another notable game of the day. The 3-0 victory was orchestrated by Christiano Koli, Krish Koli, and Daksh Koli, each finding the net and contributing to a solid team performance.
The day’s matches underline the competitive spirit of the MSSA inter-school football tournament, with young athletes showcasing impressive skill and determination. Each game provided ample excitement and posed significant talking points, reflecting on the high stakes of this well-regarded football league.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these promising young footballers from different schools, who continually strive to make their mark in the world of inter-school sports. The dramatic draws and commanding wins set the stage for more thrilling encounters that promise to entertain and inspire.
The unforgettable clash between Dr S Radhakrishnan and St Xavier’s High School, characterized by Vishwakarma’s early goal and Mujawar’s last-gasp equaliser, exemplifies the unpredictable nature of football, keeping fans and participants on the edge of their seats. This tournament continues to be a showcase for the up-and-coming football talent in the region, providing a platform for future stars of the sport.
