Mumbai FC U-17 march on after narrowly seeing off Xavier’s Boys

by Siddharth Yadav May 14, 2015

In a highly anticipated match between Mumbai U17 FC and Xaviers Boys at Xaviers football ground, Parel (Mumbai), the U17 side of Mumbai defeated Xaviers Boys 1-0 after Calvin Baretto headed in superbly from Jay Sahani’s free kick just before half time. Both Mumbai U17 and Xaviers had their moments but only a single goal proved to be difference.

Xaviers back line seemed to be very compact and composed, Mumbai U17 found it hard to play against. Xavier’s Bonnie D’souza fouled Jay Sahani which led to free kick, Jay took the following free kick but his cross was clear by Aniket Tambe. Both the side was focused on physical aspect of the game where tackles were flowing regularly from both the teams.

Over the course of match, Xaviers defender Aniket Tambe showed some brilliance at the back for Xaviers as he kept the Mumbai U17 attackers at the bay with some superb defending. Midway into the first half, a ball from Kishan Dubey found Troy D’souza in the box but his shot sailed over the bar which he should have scored.

Just before half time, Xaviers Elvis Rodrigues pulled Mumbai’s Jay Sahani leading it to free kick from the right corner, Sahani himself stepped up to take the free kick, his cross comprehensively found his teammate Calvin Baretto who headed in perfectly and give Mumbai U17 the lead. Thus, the half time ended in favour of Mumbai U17 side.

Just moment into second half, Xaviers Elvis Rodrigues fancied his shot from distance which sailed over the bar, Xaviers kept looking for the equalizer but it was not their day.

Jay Sahani, who assisted Mumbai’s goal, pulled Elvis Rodrigues when Xaviers were on counter, referee booked Jay for his unnecessarily challenge. Minutes later Xavier’s midfielder Sachin fouled Cyrus Karbhari in an untimely challenge.

35minutes into the games, Elvis Rodrigues with brilliant footwork and skills found Bonnie D’souza but the chance was wasted as Mumbai’s defender charged him down and cleared the ball from the area. There were no further attempts from both the side as the match ended 1-0 in favour of Mumbai U17 side.