Bai Avabai Framji Petit's striker scores lone goal against Jamnabai Narsee to hand Bandra school U-16 crown
The Bai Avabai Petit School (Bandra) team, who won the girls under-16 inter-school Division II football final by defeating Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) 1-0 in the final at the Azad Maidan yesterday. Pics/Suresh karkera
Alla Kolhaa's superb goal helped Bai Avabai Framji Petit Girls High School (Bandra) clinch a 1-0 victory against Jamnabai Narsee School (Juhu) in the final to win the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA)-organised girls under-16 Division II inter-school football title for the first time at Azad Maidan yesterday.
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Petit could have opened their account in the 10th minute. Jamnabai defender Aditi Mohunta handled the ball in the penalty area, but midfielder Armin Tarapurwala's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Rishita Sukhadiya. In the 17th minute, the Juhu side were unable to capitalise on a free kick opportunity as Reya Gandhi missed the target. At half-time, both teams were goalless.
After the break, Petit, sticking to their 3-4-3 formation, pressed further on the opposition. They intentionally used aerial shots to break the opposition's defence.
Finally, in the 25th minute, the Bandra team were rewarded with a goal. Striker Alla kicked the ball into the net from the right side of the penalty box after a neat assist from Annuben Jiwasa.
Alla Kolhaa scored her fourth goal of the tournament yesterday
Alla thanks team
Alla's goal in the yesterday's final took her tally to four in the tournament. The wily forward hailed the support offered by her side. "We played as a unit. Everyone backed me to score goals. There was a lot of pressure as Jamnabai are a good side, but I am glad we won," Alla told mid-day yesterday.
Skipper of the Bandra team, Zenia Jamshedji was elated that her team were able to bring out their A game on the day.
Playing to a plan
"We have come a long way in the tournament, so it is pleasing to emerge victorious as we stuck to our game plan," she added. Coach Rajaram Shetty added: "The team were pumped up to bag the number one position. The game was played in the right spirit. I am very proud of my girls." Meanwhile, Lakshdham High School (Goregaon) bagged the third place after a 1-0 win over Gokuldham High School (Goregaon). Defender Aditi Singh's goal in the 13th minute separated both sides.
Coach Constantine Egbele, who mentors both teams, said: "Both teams train together every day. They are the best of friends off the field. They know each other's strength and weaknesses. The girls fought extremely hard to win."
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