A late second half goal by Raghavendra helped Sports Authority of India Sports Training Centre, Bangalore, earn a hard-fought 1-0 win over STC, Kollam, in the SAI South Zone inter-hostel football tournament here at the Bangalore Football stadium on Monday.
The Bangalore boys gave the defending champions a run for their money while holding possession for the most part. Bangalore created several opportunities starting from the midfield but a spirited show from the Kollam defence line-up of Sam Koshy, Jasal K V and Kiranlal K denied the hosts the vital breakthrough.
Battling in a soaked field, the first scoring chance for Bangalore came in the 24th minute but Raghavendra misguided a header after receiving a lovely cross from the left from captain Arokiaraj Kenneth.
Pick of the lot
N B Akram was the pick of the lot for Bangalore as they pressed hard for the lead. However, the rival defenders even engaged in risky tackles to thwart the efforts from the Bangaloreans.
Bangalore then resorted to long rangers but Kollam custodian Jaseer Mohammad was equal to the task.
Aslam Khan, the Bangalore coach, made two substitutions during the second half in an attempt to rejuvenate the attack.
Just five minutes after coming onto the field, substitute Madhukaran set up the goal for Raghavendra, who found the target with a right-footer in the 67th minute, spoiling an otherwise impressive day under the bar for Jaseer.
Earlier, in the opening match of the tournament, STC, Calicut, played out a goalless draw with STC, Kurnool.
This annual affair is short of one team this time as STC, Chennai, withdrew owing to their assignment in the Vittal Trophy final.