Arch rivals Goa and Bengal to play final of 71st Santosh trophy

Goa: Nine minutes before the half-time, with Goa already one goal ahead, the huge Goan crowd gathered at the Bambolim Stadium to watch the Santosh Trophy semi-final witnessed something special. A young fearless 18-year-old lad from a remote village in south Goa showed maturity beyond his age.

Receiving the ball from midfield, he turned a defender, ran with speed, did a step over and foxed another defender, dribbled past a third Kerala defender and slammed a powerful shot across the face of goal that crashed into the nylons leaving the Kerala keeper Midhun V. dazed.

The show started after just 14 minutes to be precise. A defensive mistake on the right of the Kerala defence allowed Assumption Soares to break free and cross the neatest of balls to Liston who was ready to slam home past a hapless looking Kerala keeper. Kerala looked a shadow of the side that steamrolled their way into the semi-finals.

Kerala though would not go down without a fight. They came out with much purpose in the second half playing some beautiful football with short passes, intelligent off the ball movement and their strikers and midfielders combining brilliantly, leaving Goa’s defenders on their toes and spectators on the edge of their seats.

On two occasions, Kerala nearly completed their second comeback of the tournament from a 2-0 deficit. Justin was the culprit on the first occasion after his weak shot was saved by Bruno Colaco. Then with thirteen minutes left on the clock, Jijo Joseph’s free kick was brilliantly tipped over by Bruno Colaco.

Meanwhile, GFA President Elvis Gomes thanked the Goan fans for turning out in large numbers to support the team. “The screaming fans made a huge difference to Goa and lifted the morale of our boys. I urge the fans to come out with the same enthusiasm and vigour in the final against arch rivals Bengal on Sunday”, he said.

In the first semi-final, West Bengal edged past Mizoram 6-5 via the tie-breaker to enter their first final after seven years. The match finished goalless after the end of regulation time and extra time. With a 120-minute of pulsating football, it was left to the lottery of spot kicks to decide the fate of both the teams.

Final:
Sunday March 26, 2017, 1800 hours
Goa v Bengal at Bambolim Stadium, live on DD Sports

By Aiff media

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share