Riyadh : Karnataka clinched the 76th Santosh Trophy title held at the Riyadh King Fahd Stadium by scoring 3 – 2 against Meghalaya. Just within the second minute of the final match, Karnataka wing-back Sunil Kumar proved the vigor of Karnataka by shaking the net of their opponent team.
But Karnataka’s happiness was short-lived. Meghalaya leveled the score through Brolington Warlarphi, in the 8th minute by advancing the ball to the goal net in a penalty shootout, which was awarded to Meghalaya when their player Sheen Stevens was fouled by Karnataka defender G. Nikhil in the goal box.
Karnataka get back to the lead again with the second goal scored by Beke Orami in the 18th minute. With two minutes left in the first half, a brilliant free kick by Robin Yadav gave Karnataka the third goal and place the lead level higher.
Apart from Meghalaya’s second goal in the 59th minute of the second half by Sheen Stevenson, all of the other challenging attempts done by Meghalaya were brilliantly defended by the Karnataka goalkeeper.
Though around 3,000 Indian spectators had in the King Fahad International Stadium with a seating capacity of 65,000, most of them were grouped on one spot of the stadium. School students encouraged the players by dancing and cheering in the stadium. A group of youths cheered the players on by playing chenda and beating drums.
The grand prize distribution/closing ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Indian Ambassador Dr. Suhail Ajaz Khan, Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al Mishel, and Indian Football Federation President Kalyan Chaudhary. Sajin Nishan anchored the event.
വാര്ത്തകള് editor@sauditimesonline.com എന്ന വിലാസത്തില് ഇമെയില് ചെയ്യുക. വാര്ത്തകള് അയക്കുന്നവര് പേരും മൊബൈല് നമ്പരും എഴുതാന് മറക്കരുത്.
