Keli Football 2009: Kerala XI lifts the title

Shifa Herbal Kerala XI defeated Rukkie's Tea Rimal 2-0 to wil their first ever Keli Football Title in a thrilling final encounter of the 5th Keli Football Tournament at Al-Asima Stadium in Riyadh Friday.

In the 30th minute, Kerala XI earned a penalty after Mersi sent a pinpointed through to Sayed who found himself in a scoring position inside the box. With no other option around, Rimal defender tackled him and was immediately punished by the referee. The spot-kick was converted by Noushad without any fuss.

Kerala XI’s second goal came off a counter attack initiated by captian Mujeeb, who essayed a fine through pass to Shakeel. The tournament’s top scorer Shakeel dribbled two opponents and found Noushad in a scoring position. Noushad forayed into the box; top-notch striker had no problem in netting. Noushad, who scored two goals, was declared the Man of the Match. Kerala XI's custodian Shahaib was adjudged player of the tournament. Shifa Al Jazeera Star team won the fair-play award.

From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Saturday 13 June 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.