Kerala lifts Santosh trophy

It takes some courage to even dream like this -- to score three goals in the final of the tournament. But Kerala and State Bank of Tavancore striker Abdul Hakim, who is also a current international, achieved the impossible and improbable as his side rode out winners in style in the final of the National football championship, for the Santosh Trophy, at the Cooperage, in Bombay, on a hot Saturday afternoon.

Kerala beat Goa 3-2 on a golden goal.

At the end of 90 minutes, the teams were tied 2-2 and the first-half of extra-time passed without the deadlock being broken. That it would happen so soon in the second half of extra-time was totally unexpected as, both players as well as the packed gallery, were resigned to the penalty shoot-out.

But Hakim, who scored seven goals to pip teammate Asif Saheer (6) for the 'Golden Boot' award' had other ideas. Latching on to a Dileep pass, he charged about 10 yards. Very sensibly his co-strikers Saheer and S Ignatious moved away to the flanks, drawing the wingbacks out and creating the space for Hakim. It was left-foot attempt which had Goa captain Mahesh Gawali nutmegged and the ball swung out and away from unsighted goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey before curving in and lodging in the net.

"This was a better goal than the first one,'' said Hakim. "This has fetched us the title.''

Hakim first fetched Kerala the equaliser after Goa had shocked the goodly crowd by scoring in the third minute. Following a Noel Wilson corner, Ratan Singh sold the dummy by leaping and letting the ball through his legs for Abhay to complete the formalities.

Kerala took the attack to the enemy camp, it could be merely said. Quick releases and good teamwork had been the hallmark of this side and it showed in the opening goal. Latching on to a S Ignatious forwardpass, Hakim cut past the tall Seby Coelho and clipped the ball with his instep to send it curling away from Chaubey. It was a peach of an effort.

Seven minutes later, Kerala, who were now looking well and truly dangerous against a recalcitrant Goan defense, took the lead. Saheer, who played second fiddle in the game but one whose efforts carried Kerala into the final, played a wall-pass with Hakim before setting him up with an angled pass. The Goan defenders had left both players unmarked and Saheer's clever pass had leaned away from the left-wingback Rajesh Meetei and Hakim only had to punt the ball in.

Kerala's problems have been their staying power and utter lack of concentration. This chink was evident in all their previous three matches. And Goa were lying in wait for this moment. It came early in the second half which the Goans began with gusto.

Abhay Kumar, who was having a running battle with Vinu Jose, earned Goa a penalty when his pressure tactics saw the ball deflecting off the Kerala stopper-back's hand. Wilson converter the penalty with ease.

Kerala were gasping for air; Saheer had problems with his legs, as scraping thighs had reduced his speed and momentum. It was welcome opportunity and the Goans had to only seize the opportunity. Coach Armando Colaco sent in fresh legs in Clifford Miranda and Agnelo Colaco. Had it been any other team but Goa, whose striking powers were rather abysmal in this tournament, Kerala would have conceded a few goals in the second half.

Abhay Kumar, Levy Coelho, Agnelo Colaco and Rocky Barretto had wonderfully gilt-edged chances to enter Goan folklore but made a hash of things.

The Kerala midfield was non-existent in the second half. The Goans had cleverly pushed their players up to cut all moves just inside their own half and launch quick counters with long aerial passes. But somehow Kerala weathered the storm to take the match into extra-time and emerge winners.

Kerala got Rs. 300,000 as prize-money while Goa got Rs. 150,000. Tamil Nadu and Railways shared the 'Fairplay Trophy' and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.