MAPUSA: FC Goa had to wait for the penalty shoot-out to outplay Kerala Blasters FC 5-3 to be crowned Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy champions, in the final match played at Duler Stadium, here, on Saturday.
With the match ending in a goalless draw, the penalty shoot-out was implemented where for FC Goa colts Malsawmtluanga, Sitroy Carvalho, Lemmet Tnagvah, Leewan Castanha scored, while for Kerala Blasters Aritra Das, Rehan Rajeev, Sreekuttan scored. FC Goa custodian Bob Jackson Raj brought two outstanding saves from Sukham Metei and Thingujam Singh.
At the start of the match, Chief guest Sports Minister Govind Gaude, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, Arjuna Awardee Brahamand Sankhalkar, Mapusa Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandesh Chodankar, Goa Football Association President Caitano Fernandes and GFA Vice-President Anthony Pango were introduced to the players and match officials. Early in the match, Young Gaurs had two striking attempts at the goal. Akash Oraow curling shot rebounded off the far post, while Laltangzova rasping shot from inside the 18-yard box was superbly paired for a corner by Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Muhammed Jaseen.
At the other end, Kerala Blasters too had a couple of chances at the rival goal, but Thingujam Singh and Muhammed Nisham stiff grounders were saved by Young Gaurs goalkeeper Bob Jackson Raj.
In the 37th minute, Young Gaurs Laltangzova collecting a square pass from Akash Oraow saw his curling shot travel out at the far goal post.
Another close header by Kerala Blasters Sreekuttan off Muhammed Nisham cross was well collected by Young Gaurs custodian. Just two minutes later, Sitroy Carvalho’s open header off Akash cross went out.
Kerala Blasters were once again unlucky as Kerala Blasters Sreekuttan strike from close hit Young Gaurs medio Malsawmtluanga for corner.
On crossing over, play was mostly restricted to midfield but at the fag end of the match Kerala Blasters’ Ebindas shot went just past the goal post. Malsawmtluanga free-kick was paired to safety by Kerala Blasters keeper.
FC Goa received the winners’ trophy and cash prize of Rs 8 lakh from chief guest Sports Minister Govind Gaude, while Kerala Blasters had to be content with the runners-up trophy and cash prize of Rs 4 lakh handed over by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and GFA President Caitano Fernandes.
Stadium Manager Anthony Lobo and grounds men Ramu and Deepak were also felicitated.
