MSSA inter-school football tournament: Campion School eyes redemption after defeating CNM School

Campion striker Abner Rodrigues scores a goal against CNM in Bandra on Thursday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Relegated from Division-I last season, Campion School (Colaba) signalled their resurgence in style, handing CNM School (Vile Parle) a crushing 7-0 defeat in a boys U-16 Division-II pre-quarterfinal match of the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football tournament at Wings Sports Centre, Bandra, on Thursday.

Abner Rodrigues pumped in four goals to dismantle CNM's defence and guide his team into the quarters.

Campion wasted no time as Rodrigues broke the deadlock in the second minute with a composed finish into the left corner. Six minutes later, Josh Alphonso capitalised on CNM's lacklustre defence to double the lead with a simple tap-in. CNM goalkeeper Arnav Shah had a rough outing. A routine stop slipped through his gloves and Rodrigues made no mistake in tucking in his second goal to extend Campion's lead to 3-0. Evan Kujur then blasted in the fourth just before half-time.

Rodrigues completed his hat-trick in the 23rd minute, neatly converting a penalty. A minute later, he netted his fourth, smashing the ball into the top corner. Skipper Saatvik Arora completed the rout with a smooth finish thereafter.

In their first Div-II match this season, Campion routed KG Mehta (Malad) 6-0 after which they were held to 1-1 draw by St Lawrence (Borivli) before hammering CNM on Thursday to top the pool with an impressive goal difference of +14 and seal the quarter-final spot.

Coach Wilfred Alva said the team was very disappointed after being relegated last season and their strong performance so far reflects their commitment to rebuild the team and return to the top division.

"We had a bad season last year. It's not easy building a competitive team. During our Physical Training (PT) classes, we observed students and accordingly carried out our football selections. This season, we have focused on versatility among players. We've tried to switch positions - defenders have been made forwards and vice versa - so that our players can be comfortable playing any role required," explained Alva.

Other results

Boys U-16 Div-II
. St Anne's (Malad) 2 (Kayden Vaz, Aditya Mane) drew with Aditya Birla school (Tardeo) 2 (Aarav Lathi, Ishaan Bhartiya)
. DG Khetan (Malad) 1 (Neil Alapatt) drew with St Lawrence (Borivli) 1 (Devansh Shewale)
. Bombay Scottish (Powai) 2 (Abir Khaxidelwal, Shashwat Phuieria) beat VCW AVM (Bandra) 0
. Lilavatibai Podar (Santacruz) 1 (Vedang Vaity) drew with St Joseph ‘A' Wadala 1 (Zaidaan Khan)