A new look Our Lady of Egypt outfit ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over John Bosco, Borivali-'B' in the opening round of the 22nd Inter-Parish tournament organized by Willingdon Gymkhana.
The tournament, one of the highlights of Mumbai’s rink football yearly calendar, is famed for its festive atmosphere, bustling crowds and regional rivalries – and showcases some of the best footballers the city has to offer.
Record breakers
Led by the flamboyant ex-international Godfred Pereira, the Egyptians - a largely feared and well respected team – achieved cult status in the inter-parish circuit following their five-in-a-row of championship titles (1999-2003) which saw them go on a record breaking unbeaten streak stretching over forty matches.
However, last year’s shocking first round exit meant that the boys were on their toes and completely focused to get past the first hurdle in this edition against the John Bosco outfit.
Kick-off
Just as expected, the Egyptians went all out in attack and raked up three attempts on goal within the opening sixty seconds.With creative medio Sheldon Sharma at the helm of the team’s attacks, it took only five minutes for the Kalina boys to get on the score sheet.
Following a series of one-two maneuvers, Sheldon set up Richard Nadar for a close range strike and the striker reciprocated with a cool finish into the bottom corner. Goal! 1-0 to Egypt.
Two-Nil
The lead was doubled within a minute as Richard’s through ball released an unmarked Keegan Carvalho inside the striking zone and the latter’s first-time finish gave the keeper no chance. Goal! 2-0.
The Bosco boys were finding it very difficult to hold on to possession and failed to get any clear-cut attempts on goal – having to settle for the occasional long range attempt.
Unlucky!
Egypt’s Sheldon Sharma - clearly the best player on the court - was extremely unlucky to not get on the score-sheet after two snaking runs either side of the half which saw him get past three players and hit the post with his final attempt.
Eventually it would be Keegan who added to Bosco’s misery with his second goal –and Kalina’s third – in the closing stages of the game. His powerful effort crashed into the netting giving the keeper no chance.
Adriel Menezes had an opportunity to grab a consolation for the Bosco boys though was denied by a reflexive goal-line block by the Kalina keeper.
Full Time
As the referee signaled for time, Our Lady of Egypt were through to the second round of the competition –where they will now face Holy Cross Juhu ‘B’. With the first round ‘jinx’ out of the way, we will have to wait and see if the current crop of players can match the cup winning credentials of their predecessors.
On the current squad
"This is a brand new team. Most of them are youngsters and are making their debut in the ‘A’ side. Apart from three of us – Trevor, Neil and me – this is a completely new team."
On the Five-in-a-row feat "We are the only team in the history of the completion to do that. I personally was a part of two of those championship winning teams (‘02-‘03) and we beat all the top sides across the city"
On Godfred Pereira
"He is a class act. It is such a pleasure to play alongside him. He was not able to make for today’s game but he will join us in the next round"
On the crowd support "It’s always excellent. The crowds here are awesome. Always. In fact, Our Lady of Egypt always had a good fan following at this tournament. Gives all the players that extra boost!"
