The Mamen Inter School Football Tournament saw one it’s most finest nights in history as VIHS beat CHSE to the title, winning it for the second time in three years.

The blue derby of the U-18 age group was and is always a much awaited fixture ever since VIHS started participating in the tournament in 2017. The two schools are known for its intense and loud supporters who sing along chants, songs in sync and also carry out clapping sequences. Both academically and recreationally competitive schools saw the first ever final of the tournament to be played between the two sides tonight.

Looking at the history of both sides, CHSE is an experienced yet weak side in the tournament, as they have played in many tournament of the age group but made it to two finals only, and has never won the tournament. VIHS on the other hand has a more successful story as their fairytale start to the tournament in 2017 won them their first trophy. The following year they played the final as well but lost to Ahmadhiyya, the most successful side in the age group on penalties. This is the third year VIHS are playing in the finals and they have a record of playing in every final of all U-18 tournaments they played in.

Since VIHS’s debut tournament, the rivalry between both sides has been increasing intensely. The first ever game played between the two sides in the 2017 edition of the tournament ended in a draw. That game alone showed the support both teams had on their backs. That game marked a starting point in the ever intensifying rivalry in the blue derby. The tournament of the year that followed also held both sides against each other in a tense game. That game also ended in draw. Another showcase of amazing support by both sides. 2019 marks the third year to the start of the rivalry in football. The league stage game between both sides yet again ended in a draw with one a piece. However, that game confirmed CHSE’s spot in the final and that meant VIHS had another chance to get back at CHSE and take a win for the first time in the final of this year’s tournament.

The fourth clash between both sides saw amazing set of support from both sides with loud chants and songs and claps. An absolutely beautiful scene which we haven’t seen in local football for a while now. This was perhaps the biggest ever game yet held in Inter School history looking into the support and rivalry between both the teams.

The first half kicked off with absolute scenes at the stadium as the supporter’s cheers filled the stadium and the vicinity of it. The first half saw both sides battling against each other in all ways they could with quick counters and passing. As the half time closed no team had found any break through. However, just before the half time whistle in the 4^th minute of stoppage time, Ahmed Samah converted from the spot as he put VIHS into lead.

After intense dressing room talks both teams started out in thirst for another goal. CHSE to level matters, and VIHS to guarantee the trophy. CHSE never gave up and gave a good fight against VIHS. But all their hopes went down the drain as Ibrahim Imran scores a killer goal in the 78^th minute. Despite that goal CHSE still tried to push for a chance which could get them the trophy. However, their tiredness and VIHS’s dominance didn’t let the CHSE team to properly build an attack.

The match went on to end in that score of 2-0 which marks the first win for a side in the blue derby. In the four games played, the three games previous to the final ended in draw. Despite the loss CHSE supporters still cheered on their team and an amazing scene of VIHS’s players consoling CHSE players was seen. Despite the intense rivalry, the end of the game showcased the brotherhood between the players of both sides.

The award ceremony featured the tournament’s best eleven which saw 6 VIHS players, 3 CSHE players, 1 Ahmadhiyya player and 1 Ghaazee player win the awards.

Top 11 Players

Hassan Aleef Ibrahim (VIHS) (Best Goalkeeper)

Ibrahim Imran (VIHS)

Mohamed Maish Mausoom (CHSE)

Ismail Mimrah Mueen (VIHS)

Mijdhaf Abdul Majeed (Ghaazee School)

Mohamed Minvaal (CHSE)

Ahmed Samah (VIHS)

Mohamed Razan Ibrahim (Ahmadhiyya International School)

Mohamed Looth Ibrahim (VIHS)

Ismail Riyash (CHSE)

Hamdhoon Abdul Latheef (VIHS)

The top goal scorer of the tournament was won by record setting player, Mohamed Maish Mausoom with 12 goals, seven of them coming in CHSE’s second game against Ghaazee. The fairplay team award was won by Ahmadhiyya International School. The best supporters award was won by VIHS.

This brings an end to the first Mamen sponsored U-18 Inter School Football Tournaments which showcased one of the best finals in history of the tournament.

The U-13 tier is still underway in the Mamen Inter School Football Tournament and has been exciting so far. Stay tuned to Boalha.mv for more updates on the tournament.

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