RIYADH: It’s been a long and difficult road for Karnataka, but the wait finally ended as they edged past Meghalaya 3-2 to emerge champions at the 76th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Saturday.
Karnataka last won the title 54 years ago and their triumph this year was special as they became the first to win the national championship on foreign soil.
The semifinals and final of the oldest national championship were played outside the subcontinent for the first time after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) signed a MoU with the Saudi Arabia Football Federation.
M Sunil Kumar (2’), Bekey Oram (19’) and Robin Yadav (45’) scored for the champions, while first-time finalists Meghalaya provided a tough fight with goals from Brolington Warlarpih (9’) and Sheen Stevenson (60’).
They were unlucky in added time as Figo Syndai’s effort hit the post.
Karnataka coach had said they would finish the match as early as possible and Ravi Babu Raju wasn’t joking. Sunil Kumar, who had come on as a substitute in the semifinal and scored, was at it again, this time scoring with a volley from a long throw-in that fell at his feet.
Meghalaya and Karnataka have been in situations where they have fought their way back and it was no different for Khlain Symiemlieh’s side.
Meghalaya won a penalty after Nikhil G brought down Sheen. Brolington, playing his last match for the team, converted with ease.
