Garv Sahoo scores winner in A Division boys’ football final again as VJC beat SJI to retain title

SINGAPORE – Not many people have experienced scoring in a high-stakes game. But Garv Sahoo knows that feeling well.

On May 17, the attacking midfielder bagged the match winner in a National School Games final for the second time.

His goal, which came a minute before full-time, helped VJC defeat St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) 2-1 in the A Division boys’ football final at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

A year ago, he had also scored in a 1-0 win for VJC in the same final. While last season’s effort had come in the 60th minute, he left it late this time around.

With extra time beckoning, Garv expertly took down captain Ryan Peh’s long ball, before calmly firing into the corner with only SJI goalkeeper Pasindu Yapa to beat.

This was VJC’s third straight title and the absence of four key players through injuries and suspension made the feat more remarkable.

Garv said: “It really is what dreams are made for. An unmeasurable feeling scoring in front of such a good crowd. When you’re a little kid, you think you want to score in front of a crowd, and today was the day I get to say I did it once again.

“After SJI scored, everyone thought we were going to extra time then, before I knew it, the ball’s in front of me and in the back of the net.”

The 18-year-old, who plays for Singapore Premier League side Young Lions, has been called a “game changer” by VJC coach Tan Yew Hwee, who added: “This year, he’s taken up more responsibility in midfield and ran the show together with Ryan.

“The two of them, together with (winger) Jayden Goh, have good chemistry and they know each other very well.”

On the winning goal, Ryan said: “I’ve been playing with Garv for six years, and when I saw him, I knew he would make that run, so I just took the chance and sent the ball through and thankfully, he got the goal.”

VJC took the lead in the 25th minute when Jayden curled a free kick from just outside the box into the top left corner, leaving Pasindu stranded.

Jayden Goh (centre) had opened the scoring in the 25th minute. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

SJI equalised in the 71st minute, as an unmarked Darius Lim’s composed finish set up a grandstand finale. But up stepped Garv, who sent the VJC supporters into a frenzy with his late effort.

Ryan credited his team’s commitment, adding: “I’m really happy because we fought hard against a strong side. I’m glad our team structure stuck through throughout the entire 80 minutes.

“All of us were disciplined and motivated though we had some slip-ups here and there. We pushed through and fought for one another.”

Tan joked that he would have “run out of ideas” if the tie had gone to extra time as he had only two substitutes left, both of whom are inexperienced.

Victoria Junior College were missing four key players through injuries and suspension. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

“I’ve got no one to substitute on so that shows how desperate we were,” he added. “Everybody adapted really well and this is a miracle.”

SJI skipper Jovan Ang, who twisted his ankle and did not start the final, said: “The ball is round, anything can happen, just one mistake… we know we did our best today and I couldn’t ask for any other team.”

Garv is eyeing a bigger stage. “Now I’m looking forward to a successful season at Young Lions,” he said.