Goa, Manipur join the elite stage

Title aspirants Goa warded off a late resurgence by a spirited karnataka to register a 2-1 victory and move into the semi-finals of the 58th...

Title aspirants Goa warded off a late resurgence by a spirited karnataka to register a 2-1 victory and move into the semi-finals of the 58th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy here today. Goa, who had to be content with the runners up position in the last edition of the championship, struck through striker Jules Dias Alberto and Sukhdev Arvade in an action-packed quarter-final league encounter to keep their title hopes alive. Karnataka’s lone goal was scored by Parmeshwaran.

Hosts Manipur also gave their home fans plenty to cheer about by romping into the last four stage of the prestigious championship after holding Tamil Nadu to a 2-2 draw in their last group league match which saw fortunes fluctuating from one team to the other till the dying minutes.

Defending champions Kerala and Services, who have been quite consistent in the championship, had already moved into the semi-finals yesterday. Kerala will lock horns with Services in the first semifinal on November 1 while Goa will clash with hosts Manipur in the second semi the following day in what promises to bea classic contest of skill and strategy. Goa went into the lead in the 2nd minute when Jules Diasalberto scored off a penalty after Karnataka custodian tripped Menino Fernandes inside the box. Savio Pereira of Goa then gave a measured cross to Sukhdev Arvade who headed the ball in the 38th minute to make it 2-0.

For the Karnataka team, the lone goal was scored by Parameshwaran in the 55th minute. Going into the halftime with a two-goal advantage, Goa seemed to have taken things lightly as the Karnataka forwards looked rejuvenated and played with fresh vigour.

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