Barefoot Fest 2013 – Beach Soccer Championship - Match Report – Finals

After two electrifying semi-final matches played between the top four teams of the Barefoot 2013 – Beach Soccer Championship, the finals of the inaugural championship took place amidst much fanfare at Calangute Beach in Goa on February 10, 2013.

The two finalist teams – Goa United Sports Academy and Kasarkod Kerala – qualified from amongst 64 participating football clubs. They seemed thoroughly determined to win the championship trophy and left no stone unturned in achieving the same. The first period saw some stunning exchange of soccer stunts between the two teams. Goa United was the first to score owing to a penalty shot by Ashley Lobo. Kasarkod Kerala was not far behind and responded within minutes with a stunning goal by Sharafudheen K. The first period turned a little ugly and Kasarkod Kerala earned a yellow card owing to a foul against the goal-keeper of Goa United. This was followed by three spectacular goals – two scored by Haris K & one by Sharafudheen K; thus taking Kasarkod Kerala’s score to 4-1; while Goa United struggled to keep pace with their aggressive opposition.

The second period yet again began on a low note with Kasarkod Kerala getting another yellow card. Goa United came back in the game with a smashing goal scored by Ashley Lobo. Kasarkod Kerala, who had its prestige on line for this particular tournament, looked in no mood to stay behind the curtains and came to the fore with smashers by Sharafudheen K & Mahamood K; closing the period at 6-2.

The third period oscillated from Goa United to Kasarkod Kerala, giving minor heart-attacks to both the team supporters. While Goa United managed to start the period with a superb goal by Ashley Lobo; Kasarkod Kerala was on its toes to come back in action with a goal by skipper Arif K. The action intensified with every passing minute, and while Kasarkod Kerala changed its tactics from offensive to defensive; Goa United gave it all they had to take the match down to the wire. Joshua D’souza from Goa United managed to get another goal through the nets, but Kasarkod Kerala again came ahead with a goal by the star player Mahamood K. Winning it convincingly with a final score of 8-4, Kasarkod Kerala emerged as the dark horse of the tournament, winning the applause and appreciation of the local Goans despite being an outstation team.

All in all the final match was a battle of equals. Though Kasarkod Kerala walked away triumphant with the championship title, Goa United proved its metal by not giving up. For their undying effort and talent, the Goa United team was awarded a cash prize of Rs. Fifty Thousand along with the runners-up trophy.

Kasarkod Kerala not just walked away with the championship trophy and the cash prize of Rs. 75000, they also made a clean-sweep at the award distribution ceremony. With Mahamood K winning the Player of the Tournament and Mohammad Shahid winning the Best Goal-Keeper award, the evening bought all smiles for the Kasarkod Kerala camp.

Barefoot 2013 Beach Soccer Championship proved a ravishing success in its inaugural edition at Goa, and culminated with a commitment to continue building the sport of Beach Soccer professionally all over India.

At a glance:

Winners of Barefoot 2013 – Beach Soccer Championship – Kasarkod Kerala – Awarded the championship trophy and cash prize of Rs. 75,000

Runners-up of Barefoot 2013 – Beach Soccer Championship – Goa United – Awarded the runners-up trophy and cash prize of Rs. 50,000

Player of the Tournament: Mahamood K, Kasarkod Kerala – Awarded a trophy and sunglasses by Oakleys

Best goal-keeper: Mohammad Shahid, Kasarkod Kerala – Awarded a trophy and sunglasses by Oakleys