Joy for Joseph’s

The victorious St Joseph’s (Wadala) boys U-14 Div-III team with the trophy at Bombay Gymkhana recently. Pic/Sameer Markande

Midfielder Zeon Velekalihill, 12, made no mistake in converting a penalty to secure for St Joseph's High School (Wadala) a 1-0 win over RN Podar School (Santacruz) in a boys under-14 Div-III final of the MSSA inter-school football tournament at the Bombay Gymkhana ground last week.

The Santacruz boys enjoyed more ball possession and had a major share of the attacks. However, the Podar boys were unable to convert the chances that came their way and that cost them dear.

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St Joseph's, who managed a couple of counter-attacks into the rival territory, were awarded a penalty by referee Akshay Kahar when Rugved Parab was fouled inside the penalty area in the 36th minute.

Coach Tony entrusted Zeon with the responsibility of taking the penalty and he did not disappoint as he fired a low shot to goalkeeper Arush Srijith's right. "I was a little nervous, but my coach Tony sir and teammates urged me to stay calm and that helped me to stay focused and concentrate on exactly where I was going to shoot. I am extremely happy that I succeeded in scoring the goal which helped us to win and emerge champions," Zeon, who won his maiden MSSA football title, told mid-day.

"I had earlier won the MSSA basketball title with the school's under-19 team," he added.