MSSA: Goalkeeper Rian Patel to the rescue for Jamnabai Narsee

Jamnabai Narsee’s Rian Patel makes a save against St Peter’s (Mazgaon) at Azad Maidan on Wednesday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Custodian Rian Patel made three crucial saves under the bar as Jamnabai Narsee International School (Juhu) entered the boys U-8 final of the Dream Sports Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football Super Cup, beating St Peter's (Mazgaon) 4-3 via tie-breaker at Azad Maidan on Wednesday.

Both teams began cautiously, focusing on possession. Jamnabai tried to build through quick passing, while St Peter's relied on counter-attacks. However, strong defending and alert goalkeeping ensured the first half ended goalless. The second half saw similar exchanges, but no goals, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Aadit Dutt, Neymaar Makhija and Heansh Parikh converted for Jamnabai, while Usman Ansari, Vihan Pawar and Abbas Sheikh responded for St Peter's to make it 3-3 after first attempts each.

In the sudden death, Viven Nayak converted for Jamnabai before Mohammad Salah Ansari missed for St Peter's, ensuring victory for Jamnabai.

Meanwhile, Campion School (Colaba) beat Greenlawns High School (Pedar Road) 2-0 in the other semi-final, with Sarosh Bhesania and Hridaan Mehta scoring
a goal each.