Vasco Goa reached the finals of Malayala Manorama Gold Cup All-India Football Tournament at Seethi Haji floodlight stadium, Edavanna Malappuram beating Akbar Travels 3-1
The Goans dominated the entire first half of the game and Sibra Narzary found the net in the 41st minute of a Ayuba Abwaa pass after creating almost 4 clear scoring chances earlier on.
In the 2nd half, Akbar travels tried to equalise by creating some sturdy movements through their Nigerian mid fielder Emeka Jhonson and Niyas Rahman with the able support of Faisal and Liliyan Kenneth but could not succeed in finishing the moves.
Vasco Goa increased their lead in the 58th minute against run of play through Joy Ferrao. This goal was determinant as the opposition seemed to lose hope on the game.
In the 75th minute, Joy Ferrao again found the net to take the score to an unassailable 3-0 lead. Akbar Travels scored a consolation goal in the 77th minute through Keralite Nawas Rahman.
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Monday 18 January 2010, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.