Deadly duo takes Campion into final

They’ve been playing together since they were eight. Tuesday’s U-16 Ahmed Sailor football tournament semifinal clash between Campion School (Fort) and Christ Church (Byculla) was another example of how well 14-year-old Aryan Sood and 15-year-old playmaker Abhishek Agarwal complement each other. The duo helped Campion School blank Christ Church 4-0 to sail into the final. Sood scored twice while Agarwal had two assists.

But it’s not what they’ve learnt during practice that has made them understand each other so well. “We spend a lot of time outside training as well,” said Agarwal, who despite not adding his name on the score sheet did more than enough to be named the player of the match. “Over time, we now know the other’s strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else.”

Sood, who was suffering from fever, was benched till half-time with the score reading 0-0. Coach Wilfred Alwa brought him on on resumption and the Sood-Agarwal duo were soon in action.

“Aryan despite his condition was itching to play and with the score tied, I knew it would also bring the best out of Agarwal as well” said Campion coach Wilfred Alva.

Aldrich Fernandes was Campion’s other key performer as he scored the remaining two goals. But, it doesn’t come as a surprise to know who Aldrich gives most of the credit to. “It was Abhishek, who made my first goal. I just had to put the ball in. The same can be said for Aryan’s goal. The two of us may be the goal scorers, but Abhishek makes us look good.”