Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Goa went down fighting to holders Kerala 2-8 in the Khelo India Beach Soccer played at Diu ground, on Friday.
This was Goa’s third defeat in the final against Kerala colts.
Kerala started earnestly and scored in the very 1st and 2nd minute of play. For Kerala, Umarul Mukthar did most of the damage netting a hat-trick with Muser TKB and Rohit Y scoring a brace each, while Muhammed Unari added his name to the scorer’s list.
For Goa, only Satish Naik and Abel Gurjao netted.
Goa’s highest scorer was given very little space to penetrate the tight Kerala defence.
In the semi-final, Goa trounced Karnataka by 6-3 margin.
Goa coach Bruno Coutinho said, “We did not have professional players and had to play with normal players, which meant we lacked bench strength. This year we were slightly better side. However, the team did not get a single day of practice in Goa.”
Goa go down fighting to Kerala in final
