Campion School (Colaba) defeat Ascend International School (BKC) to win boys U-10 MSSA

The victorious Campion School (Colaba) U-10 team with their trophy and medals at Azad Maidan on Tuesday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Riding high on a solitary strike by Hrihaan Jagtap, Campion School (Colaba) edged Ascend International School (BKC) 1-0 to win the boys U-10 Dream Sports Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football Super Cup at Azad Maidan on Tuesday.

Ascend started on the front foot and dominated the early exchanges. Their first chance came in the fourth minute when Aveer Kothari found himself in a promising position close to goal, but Campion goalkeeper Arjun Talwar Khiani reacted swiftly to produce a fine save.

Ascend continued to press and looked the more attacking side in the opening half. In the 12th minute, Aushim Sagar attempted to break the deadlock with a well-struck free-kick from outside the box, but custodian Arjun was alert again to gather the ball comfortably, ensuring the first half ended goalless. After the break, Campion gradually began to find their rhythm. Their persistence paid off in the 17th minute when Hrihaan stepped up to take a free-kick from just outside the penalty area. The youngster delivered a superb strike that curled into the top right corner of the net, giving Campion the crucial lead.

Ascend pushed hard for the equaliser and earned a final opportunity in the form of a late corner kick. Aveer rose well to meet Aushim's cross with a firm header, but goalie Arjun once again came to his team's rescue with another brilliant save to ensure the score remained unchanged and in favour of Campion.
This was the second title for Campion School in the U-10 category after they won the MSSA boys U-10 Division I title, beating Bombay Scottish (Mahim) 1-0 in the final in February.

Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, Bombay Scottish (Mahim) defeated Sacred Heart (Santacruz) 4-0. Nivaan Sohal scored a brace, while Ayushman Singh and Nirhaad Singh added a goal each.