MSSA U-16: Cathedral & John Connon win sans regular goalie

Despite the absence of regular goalkeeper Shaan Mehta, Cathedral and John Connon School (Fort) were able to overcome the odds beating St Pius X High School (Mulund) 3-0 in the tie-breaker during the quarter-finals

Despite the absence of regular goalkeeper Shaan Mehta, Cathedral and John Connon School (Fort) were able to overcome the odds beating St Pius X High School (Mulund) 3-0 in the tie-breaker during the quarter-finals of the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) U-16 Div II inter-school football tournament at Azad Maidan yesterday.

St Pius X's striker Joel D'Souza (right) is tackled by Cathedral & John Connon goalkeeper Diwakar Sinha during the MSSA boys' U-16 Div II tie at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Cathedral played defender Diwakar Sinha in goal. Both teams were tied 1-1 at regulation time.

Positive start
St Pius started off proceedings on a positive note, creating a host of chances. Finally, in the 12th minute they secured the lead through Joel D'Souza after good work by Mandar Palav. Cathedral equallised in the second half, courtesy Anant Sawant, who found the net in the 30th minute.

Five minutes before the final whistle, the Fort unit made a daring change. Defender Kabir Sukhwani was sent into goal in anticipation of a tie-breaker. And the move paid off. Sukhwani made two saves, which saw his side through.

Coach Nelson Sebastian said that his decision to put Sukhwani in goal was influenced by his versatility. "Our regular goalkeeper Shaan was out due to injury, so we had to play Diwakar and he performed well. When the game was about to end, I decided to put Kabir as I thought he would do better as he's an all-rounder," he said.

Versatility pays off
Speaking of his versatility, Sukhwani said, "I am actually a striker, but for the team I play as a defender. Our keeper wasn't there today so coach decided to put me in for the tie-breaker. I took his advice and was on my toes all the time, which helped ultimately."

Sebastian is hopeful that his side has a good chance to win the title this year after their semi-final run in 2015. "I'm really confident with this team. I think we can clinch it. We have been practicing since January which I think holds us in good stead," said an assured coach.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!