The Thane Football Association Sub-Junior Boys tournament got off to an energetic start with the Tier 2 Group A opener at Palava Football Stadium. In a rain-kissed 8 a.m. kickoff, Joshua Football Academy showed composure and attacking intent to earn a 2–0 win over Sporting Club de Thane, collecting the first 3 points of the campaign.
The game began in challenging conditions, as light rain made the pitch slippery and tested the players’ control. Still, Joshua FA settled quickly and pressed forward with confidence. Their breakthrough came in the first half, when Dhruv Ghadigavkar finished clinically to give his team the lead heading into halftime. Sporting Club de Thane tried to regroup but struggled to break down Joshua’s disciplined defense.
In the second half, Joshua continued to manage the game effectively, keeping Sporting pinned back while waiting for opportunities to extend their lead. The decisive moment came when Kabir Vidhate doubled the advantage with a well-taken strike, making it 2–0. From there, Joshua maintained control, closing out the match without conceding and sealing a well-deserved clean sheet.
The tournament structure sees teams divided into two tiers: Tier 1 features a single group, while Tier 2 is split into Group A and Group B. With the points system awarding 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and none for a loss, Joshua’s victory immediately pushes them up the Tier 2 Group A standings. Sporting Club de Thane, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and earn their first points in upcoming fixtures.
This strong start highlights the quality of grassroots football in Thane, with young players showcasing determination, skill, and resilience in testing conditions. For Joshua Football Academy, the win is more than just 3 points—it’s a statement of intent for the season ahead in the Sub-Junior Boys category.