Sankalp takes Rajhans closer to dream

Andheri-based school beat Dhirubhai Ambani International 1-0 to advance to the semifinals of the under-16 tournament

MUMBAI: Runners-up for the past two years, Rajhans Vidyalaya (Andheri) stormed past Dhirubhai Ambani International School (Bandra) 1-0 in their C-division boy’s under-16 quarterfinal match at the inter-school Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) Football tournament on Tuesday at Azad Maidan.

“Finishing second-best has become a habit now. We really want to win the title this time around, said Sankalp Khinvera, goalkeeper of Rajhans Vidyalaya, who assisted his team in winning the quarterfinal match. “Both teams were equally poised, but our goalkeeper was one of the main reasons we won the match,” said Manoj Nair, coach of the Rajhans Vidyalay boys’ football team.

On being asked about his role in the team’s victory, Sankalp said, “I don’t think I have done anything extra-ordinary. It was team effort and that should carry on till the end of this tournament. We have worked harder this year and are positive about winning the finals too.”

In a match that seemed evenly poised at half time with both teams struggling to score goals, Shantanu Bhaiya of Rajhans Vidyalay converted a good pass into a goal, after the break. “It was a great match. I am happy with our performance, though I think that we could have done better. I think we have a 100 per cent chance of winning the finals this year,” said a confident Shantanu.

As rain descended in the final moments of the match, Dhirubhai Ambani International School failed to capitalise on free kicks. And Sankalp’s adept goalkeeping added to their woes.

Rajhans Vidyalaya will now meet Lilavati Podar (Santacruz) in the semifinals as the latter beat St Mary’s (Kalina) 2-0 in their quarterfinal match. 
n Results:

Boys’ under-16: Campion School (Cooperage Road) beat St Joseph HS (Wadala) 3-1; St Xavier’s HS (Fort) beat Holy Name High School (Fort) 2-0; Quarterfinals: Rajhans Vidyalaya (Andheri) beat Dhirubhai Ambani Int (Bandra) 1-0; Lilavatibai Podar (Santacruz) beat St Mary’s (Kalina) 2-0; Girls’ under-16: Bombay Scottish School (Mahim) beat Arya Vidyamandir (Bandra - West) 4-0; Canossa HS (Mahim) beat Jamnabai Narsee School (Juhu) 4-0; Bai Avabai F Petit Girls HS (Bandra) beat St Blaise S (Andheri) 3-0