Sai Sankhe, 14, stamped her class and played an inspirational role by creating the first goal and scoring two to guide Arya Vidya Mandir (Juhu) to a fluent 3-0 win over Lakshdham (Goregaon) in a girls U-16 Division-I Group 'D' league match of the MSSA inter-school football tournament at the Cooperage ground yesterday.

Junior India probables

Sai, who is among the 35 probables training with the Junior India team in preparation for the 2020 U-17 World Cup to be hosted by India, came off the bench at the start of the second half, and made her presence felt within eight minutes. She delivered a measured corner kick which fell perfectly for teammate Nainika Agarwal to boot home and break the deadlock. The talented, skillful and athletically-built Sai, who exhibited excellent ball control, easily took the rival defenders in her stride and scored the next two goals from solo efforts in the 30th and 38th minutes to round off the tally. Sai was pleased that her effort helped the team win, but was a tad disappointed as she may not be available for the knockout rounds since she goes back to join the India camp over the weekend.