Showing solid fighting spirit Udaya Sports Club recovered from an early deficit to record a hard-earned victory over Star of Canara SC by a narrow 2-1 margin in a final round league match of the 22nd Late Shri Ramanath Payyade Memorial Football Tournament 2017-18, organised by the Karnatak Sporting Association and played at the KSA ground, Cross Maidan.
In an evenly and absorbing contest, both teams adopted an attacking approach and tried their best to wrest the advantage. But it was Star of Canara who managed to get the first goal early in the match when Nehal Shetty from a snap effort found the back of the net in the eighth minute.
However, Udaya made a strong reply and managed to score the equaliser in the 27th minute when Mohit Gatti unleashed a powerful 30-yard shot beating Canara goalkeeper to right top corner.
In the second half Udaya dominated play and put pressure on the rival defence and did well to get the crucial winning goal through Oliver Castelino in the 50th minute. Thereafter, Star of Canara worked extra hard to level the scores but wasted chances, including a penalty as Glen Moares failed to beat Udaya’s goalkeeper Savardhan Shetty in the final minutes of the game.
Udaya have now advanced to the semi-final and will meet Mangalore Blues SC.
Results : Udaya SC 2 (Nehal Shetty, Oliver Castelino) beat Star of Canara SC 1 (Mohit Gatti).