TINSUKIA, Oct 4 - Gokulam Kerala Football Club emerged champions in the prestigious Bodousa Cup Invitational International Football Championship organised by the Bodousa Sports Club.
In the final played at the Katchujan Field here today, the Kerala outfit defeated Minerva Punjab Football Club in sudden death. During regulation time the keenly contested summit clash ended in a 2-2 draw. Barosa put the Punjab team ahead in the third minute of the match. But Gokulam Kerala did not take much time to restore parity as Zola fired the equaliser in the 16th minute.
After returning from the break both the teams went all out and enthralled the capacity crowd with well planned moves. Finally Beeutiyel managed to take Gokulam Kerala ahead in the 82nd minute and came closer to have the last laugh. But in the 90th minute Girik surprised the Kerala custodian by hitting the back of the net.
In the penalty shoot-out both the teams converted four goals each. However, Kerala succeeded in scoring off the sixth kick while Punjab shooter failed in his attempt. Suranjit of Minerva was adjudged best player of the final match. Kerala and Punjab teams walked away with cash award of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively.
In the closing function, Union Minister of State and local MP Rameswar Teli gave away the prizes.
