Udaya SC pip Karnatak SC to emerge champions

Udaya Sports Club played with plenty of grit and determination to stave off a spirited challenge from Karnatak Sports Club and clinch a narrow 1-0 win in the final of the 22nd Late Shri Ramanath Payyade Memorial Football Tournament at the Karnatak Sporting Association ground, Cross Maidan.

In the summit clash, both teams gave it their best shot and there were plenty of exciting moments at either end throughout the match. But midway through the first half, Udaya managed to get the crucial goal when attacking midfielder Ashiwad Hedge showed fine anticipation as he timed his run perfectly to meet the end of Savardhan Shetty’s free-kick from the right and powerfully headed past the outstretched hands of Karnatak SC goalkeeper Gagan Shetty to give his team the lead.

Thereafter, Karnatak SC went all out on the attack and created quite a number of chances to find the equaliser. But all their efforts were blunted by a dogged Udaya defence and towards the end of the first session Karnatak were denied by the goalpost.

The Udaya defenders were solid and compact and ensured their citadel remained intact till the final whistle to emerge victorious and lift their maiden title.

Earlier, in the match to decide the third place winners, Satya Vijaya got the better of Mangalore Blues 5-4, via the tie-breaker, after the teams were locked goalless at the end of regulation period.