Karnataka Sporting Association reign supreme at Devlali (Nashik)

by Nixon Rodrigues October 1, 2014

Karnataka Sporting Association emerged victorious at a recently concluded tournament at Devlali Nashik, which hosts some of the big teams of Maharashtra and other states. They overcame the mighty Mumbai Customs in nail bitting semi-final match with a 1-0 win. A goal from their Nigerian recruit Ahiri Uche in the first half of extra time proved vital for KSA as they booked their place in the final.

In the finals played on Monday 29th September, KSA were up against a tough opponent in the form of NUPC Aurangabad. An action pact first half saw 3 goals score by each of the teams, it was KSA who opened their scoring through Ahiri Uche, who did well to take the ball in his stride from a throw in, to unleash a rasping shot in the back of the net. Although thier lead was short lived when NUPC came up with a equalizer within 5 minutes of the first goal. KSA did well to fight back and regained the lead towards the end of the first half when their midfielder Sherwyn Chang did all the hardwork to present Ahiri Uche with an easy tap in. NUPC were lucky to snatch a late equalizer in the second half as they took advantage of a lapse in the KSA defense, forcing the game into extra time

Extra time saw quite a cagey game as both teams were looking to deny each other that all important goal. But it was goalkeeper Kishan Sulegai who turned out to be the hero for KSA with 2 outstanding saves in the penalty shootout with Ahiri Uche, Valentine Pereira, Shabbir Ali and Tarique Ansari all converting their penalties as KSA went on to win the final

They also finished with a few honours as Kishan Sulegai was adjudged ‘The Best Goalkeeper’ and Shabbir Ali was awarded ‘The Best Defender’. We here at Football Counter congratulate Karnataka Sporting Association and wish them all the very best for the upcoming season!