Karnataka defeated Meghalaya 3-2 in the final of 76th National football championship for Hero Santosh Trophy, at the King Fahd International Stadium here on Saturday.
This is the first trophy for Karnataka since 1968-69. The last time they won the trophy as princely state of Mysore. This is the fourth time that the state won the National Football Championships.
In December last year, when Karnataka went to Delhi in the concluding preliminary Group 1 league match, they weren’t sure about making the next stage as there were too many calculations involved in it. But still they overcame everything to win the trophy.
For Karnataka, Sunil Kumar in 2′, Bekley Oram in 19′ and Robin Yadav in 42′ scored the goals, while for Meghaalaya, Brolington Warlarpih in 19′ and Sheen Stevenson Sphktung in 60′ scored the goals.
Earlier, Services won the third place beating Punjab 2-0 in the play-off match held before the final. Shafeel P.P. in 7′ and Christopher Kamei in 60′ scored the goals.
The third-place playoff match also saw the introduction of the VAR system making it the first time an Indian men’s team played under the electronic referral procedure for the referee. The system was not used in the match but it was in place for the Saudi Arabian referee Mohammed Al Daqqash to consult.
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
