U-16 Div-I defending champs register third goalless draw in four encounters
A St Mary's player clears the ball away from Campion's forwards (in red) during an MSSA U-16 Div-I tie at Azad Maidan yesterday.
Defending champions Campion (Cooperage) are finding it hard to score goals. They had won 3-0 in their previous Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) U-16 Div-I inter-school match against Dominic Savio (Andheri) after registering 0-0 results in their first two games, but returned to their goalless ways in yesterday's fixture against pool 'A' leaders St Mary's SSC (Mazagaon) at Azad Maidan.
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A St Mary's player clears the ball away from Campion's forwards (in red) during an MSSA U-16 Div-I tie at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble
Shaurya Motwani's penalty miss yesterday summed up champion Campion's struggles.
The game, though hit by heavy rains, was keenly contested with both sides giving their all particularly St Mary's, who got better as the weather deteriorated. But, it was Campion, who more scoring opportunities but failed to convert any.
Coach disappointed
Coach Wilfred Alva was understandably disappointed. "We dominated the game today and created many chances, but just couldn't find the back of the net. We got a penalty too, but it was shot wide" he said.
He was however, proud of the team's defence, which is yet to concede a goal, even as he rued the lack of goals from his forwards.
Good defence
"Our team is the only team in the pool that has not conceded a single goal so far. But I am worried with the lack of goals," added Alva, who now intends to go on an all out attack against Hanraj Mohraji (Andheri) in their next game. He has already planned his attacking formation for the same. "We would look to play a 3-3-4 formation against Hansraj as we are keen to attack and build some confidence in front of goal."
When asked about his side's chances of qualifying for the playoffs, Alva said, "We have three games left and intend to win all three to qualify on our own terms rather than relying on other results. I am pretty confident we can do that."
Campion are now in the third position in Pool 'A' with six points, and are behind St Mary's SSC and Navy Children, who have eight and seven points respectively. With just three games left for Campion, today's draw is a reminder that no one can afford to take the first division lightly.