Reliance Foundation Young Champs Outclass BoB to Reach Harwood Champions League Final

by FC October 3, 2024

Reliance Foundation Young Champs put on a commanding performance to defeat previous edition’s tournament runners-up, Bank of Baroda (BoB), securing their place in the Harwood Champions League final.

A stunning brace from Sana within the first 20 minutes set the tone for Young Champs’ dominant display, sealing a 2-1 victory.

From the very first whistle, the Young Champs’ intent was clear, and they wasted no time taking control. Just six minutes into the game, ZeHal orchestrated the opening goal, driving forward from midfield before threading a perfectly weighted through ball to Sana on the edge of the box. The in-form winger showed great composure as he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, putting his team 1-0 ahead.

Bank of Baroda struggled to contain the Young Champs’ energetic play, and by the 20th minute, they were two goals down. This time, it was Shallin who launched a precise ball from deep in his half, picking out Sana on the left wing. The pacey winger took full advantage of the space, sprinting down the flank and cutting inside to fire home his second goal of the match—his second brace of the tournament.

Young Champs’ electrifying start left Bank of Baroda shell-shocked, and while they managed to regroup defensively, they couldn’t break down the relentless pressure from their opponents. However, late in the second half, BoB began to show signs of life. In the 86th minute, they were awarded a penalty, offering a glimmer of hope for a late comeback. Denzil, BoB’s dependable playmaker, stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was brilliantly saved by the Young Champs’ keeper, who anticipated the direction perfectly.

Despite the miss, the ball remained in play, and moments later, Wasif Shaikh, on the right wing, sent in a cross that somehow curled directly into the net. The fluke goal brought Bank of Baroda back into the contest at 2-1, but their late resurgence wasn’t enough.

Reliance Foundation Young Champs held their nerve through the final minutes to secure a hard-fought victory. Their resilience after conceding late kept them in control, and the final whistle brought scenes of celebration as they booked their place in the final against ICL Mumbai.

The Harwood Champions League final will be a rematch of their thrilling Group B clash, which saw Reliance emerge victorious in a high-scoring 5-3 encounter. With both teams brimming with talent and attacking display, the stage is set for an exciting showdown on 5th October at Cooperage Stadium.

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