Goa Moroons, Kerala Challengers vie for glory – AVC, Skynet beaten in semis

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KUWAIT CITY, March 16: Goa Maroons, one of the oldest expatriate Indian soccer clubs will vie for the glory at the Bayan Grounds when they take on Kerala Challengers for the 40th edition of the prestigious UGC trophy.

In the first semifinal scoring in each half the Goa Maroons pipped AVC with a superb defensive display to deny AVC the latter any chance of making it to the final.

The AVC had a better edge early on in the first half and looked threatening but Anthony under the Goans bar made some brilliant saves to deny AVC an early advantage.

With Steven standing rock solid in Goa Maroons defence did not allow the AVC to dominate the proceedings and this changed the momentum of the game.

Steven proved beyond doubt why is one of the most feared and best defenders at the Bayan Grounds.

After going one up Jeffrey could have doubled the lead with his fine header but the ball hit the cross bar. The AVC boys too were unlucky for the woodwork denied them on two occasions once in each half.

Add to this the strong defending by the Goa Maroons boys, which kept the spectators on pins and needles until the last whistle because the result could swing either way.

Goa Maroons coach Derrick, during the break encouraged his players to defend the lead and look to increase the tally.

One up, Goa Maroons went looking for another goal and substitute Ricky did just that when he capitalized on a defensive error to put the ball past hapless AVC keeper.

In the second half Fazel of AVC tried a long range shot but was not lucky enough to put his name on the score sheet. The ball grazed the woodwork and went out of play.

In a moment of madness, the AVC keeper handled the ball just outside the penalty area but the Goa Maroons failed to capitalize and wasted a good opportunity.

The AVC made a couple of substitutions in a vain attempt to find a goal, but all their efforts went in vain.

The second match saw Kerala Challengers humbling Skynet Raiders 2-1. Kerala Challengers have reached the back to back finals. The scorers were Harris and Abin.

Their well combined attack gave Skynet a tough time. It was a joy watching Sahil, Ben and Abin changing wings as they moved forward.

Kerala Challengers played without their ace goal keeper Shiva who is suffering from a shoulder injury.

In the first ten minutes Arif too had to be substituted after sustaining a terrible fall and needed stitches.

Skynet put in good individual performances to trouble the stand-in keeper Mohammed but the Challengers ensured no damage was done.

Rafeeq scored the goal for Skynet seeing the keeper was out of position although the latter tried his best to prevent the ball kissing the back of the net.

Kerala Challengers will get a few weeks rest before they take on Goa Maroons on April 1 which will see the best defending team taking on the best attacking outfit as the curtain draws on the 40th UGC Football Edition.

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