Thane City FC faced off against Brothers FC in the Under 18 Thane Youth League Final. The spectators enjoyed a thrilling finale as the teams drew 3-3 over 120 minutes before Brothers FC secured the Championship 3-4 on penalties.
After the game, Thane City FC U18 Head Coach, Faisal Khan said, “External things matter and affect a lot in today’s football.” Referring to the FIFA World Cup final a day earlier between Argentina and France, “The players were extremely driven and inspired by the big game. They kept believing that if they can make a comeback, we can as well. The game isn’t over until the final whistle goes off.”
The game proved to be an emotional roller coaster for the players, the coaches, and everyone in attendance. Thane City FC conceded two early goals in the first fifteen minutes of the game. However, the first half water break proved to make a massive difference. Maybe a pep talk by the coach, or self-reflection, we don’t know. This sport works in the strangest ways. Harschelle’s steal in the opponent’s defensive third towards the end of the first half sparked a comeback. 2-1.
Brothers FC retook their two-goal lead after an early second-half solo effort. Despite going down again, the players and supporters refused to give up. Noyal converted from the spot in the 67th minute to get another one back, before the captain, Advait, smashed one from the top of the box just 3 minutes later to make it 3-3! A goalless extra time took the game to penalties.
Former Italian national team player, Roberto Baggio once said, “Only those who have the courage to take a penalty miss them.” The shoot-out ended 3-4, awarding the title to Brothers FC.
Indeed, the beautiful game is much like life. The moments, they come and go, good and bad, make you happy, sometimes unhappy, but it goes on. On to the next season.
Hou Dya Thane!❤️💙