The third edition of the Br CG Fernandes Memorial U14 Inter School Football Tournament reached a dramatic climax as Saint Augustine’s High School, Vasai defeated Rustomjee Cambridge International School, Vasai in a tense penalty shootout to claim the championship title ON Sunday, February 23.
The two-day event, jointly organized by the Saint Augustine’s High School and Saint Augustine’s Vasai Alumni (AVA), saw 10 schools battle for glory, with young athletes showcasing skill, grit, and sportsmanship under the blazing Vasai sun.
Sunday’s semifinals kicked off with high energy as the top four teams clashed for a spot in the final. In the first semifinal, defending champions Saint Augustine’s High School Team faced off against Isaac Newton Global School. Saint Augustine’s dominated the match, securing a 2-0 victory with crisp passes and relentless attacks. Meanwhile, Rustomjee Cambridge International School edged past Mount Carmel High School in a tightly contested 1-0 match, thanks to a stunning second-half goal that sent their supporters into a frenzy.
The battle for the second runner-up spot saw Isaac Newton Global School redeem themselves with a 1-0 win over Mount Carmel. Despite the earlier loss, Isaac Newton’s players rallied, delivering a gritty performance that earned them third place.
By afternoon, the stage was set for the grand finale: Saint Augustine’s High School versus Rustomjee Cambridge. Both teams entered the match undefeated, and the tension was palpable. The first half ended goalless, with defenders from both sides shutting down repeated attacks. The deadlock continued into the second half, despite near-misses from Saint Augustine’s strikers and a breathtaking save by Rustomjee’s goalkeeper off a corner kick.
With the score tied 0-0 at full time, the match went straight to penalties—a first in the tournament’s history. Saint Augustine’s held their nerve, converting all five spot kicks, while Rustomjee managed three. The final score of 5-3 sparked wild celebrations as Saint Augustine’s players hoisted the Golden Boot Trophy, cementing their legacy as back-to-back champions.
The closing ceremony honored standout performers:
Player of the Tournament: Aaron C. Surti (Saint Augustine’s A Team), praised for his leadership and clutch goals.
Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Om Yande (Rustomjee Cambridge), whose precise strikes propelled his team to the final.
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Kavy Langalia (Isaac Newton Global School), whose saves kept his team in contention.
The principal of Saint Augustine’s High School, Vasai, Br. Vinay Kadia, congratulated all teams and highlighted the professionalism of the referees. “The fairness and precision of the officiating set a great example for these young athletes,” he said. He also thanked AVA for their flawless execution of the event, adding, “This tournament isn’t just about football—it’s about building character and lifelong memories.”
