MSSA Boys' U-16: Don Bosco bounce back in style to win

Defending champs Don Bosco (Matunga) rally from a goal down to beat counterparts Don Bosco (Borivali) 3-1 in the opening match of the Mumbai Schools Sports Association at Azad Maidan 

Defending champions Don Bosco 'A' (Matunga) came from behind to register a 3-1 win over Don Bosco (Borivali) in the opening match of Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) Boys' U-16 Elite Division league at Azad Maidan yesterday.


Bryce Miranda (R) of Don Bosco (Matunga) gets past Don Bosco's (Borivali) Josimon Tharayil. Pic/Atul Kamble 

Skipper Christopher Fernandes gave the Borivali side the lead in the 11th minute, but their opponents drew parity six minutes later through their captain Bryce Miranda.

Both teams were tied at 1-1 at half-time. Thereafter, it was Bosco, Matunga all the way.

In the 32nd minute, Romario D'Souza attempted a shot from about 25 yards and custodian Presley Lobo fumbled to give Matunga a 2-1 lead. In the 51st minute, Bryce passed the ball to striker Rahul Swamy, who tapped the ball into the goal.

After the win, Bryce said his team found themselves under pressure once their opponents scored. "We didn't expect the Borivali team to score. Once they had the lead, we were under immense pressure to equalise. We couldn't afford to start the season with a draw or a loss. We wanted to win at any cost. The team was a bit relaxed after I scored the equaliser.

"We missed a lot of chances and then took unnecessary pressure after trailing 0-1. But I am happy that we won. I hope we don't repeat the same mistakes in the coming matches," said the Class X student.

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