Date:08/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/08/stories/2009110851911800.htm

Sport - Football

University College emerges champion

THIRUVANANTHAPUAM: University College (Thiruvananthapuram) edged out MA College (Kothamangalam) 9-7 via tie-breaker to win the title in the SAI-LNCPE inter-collegiate football tournament at the LNCPE football ground on Saturday.

In a match played under steady drizzle, the teams were level 4-4 at the end of regular time. In the tie-breaker, University College converted all the five penalty kicks while MA College could convert only three.

During regular time, University College rallied splendidly to hold MA College. Anil Kumar opened scoring for MA College in the 9th minute, however Nirmal Kunjumon equalised for University College in the 21st minute.

Rinto Antony (28th) put MA College back in the lead which was cancelled out by Rajesh in the 34th minute. MA College appeared to have pocked the match when it scored twice in the space of one minute through Sajindra Shaji (39th) and Sreejith (40th). However, a brace from Sajan (48th and 68th) pushed the match into the tie-breaker.

In the tie-breaker, Sajan, Suresh, Vineeth, Salman and Kevin Jose scored for University College, while Anil Kumar, Rinto Antony and Sreejith were on target for MA College.

Earlier in the semifinals, University College got past St. Xavier’s College (Thumba) 4-3, while MA College blanked Nirmala College (Muvattupuzha) 4-0. — Principal Correspondent