Viva enter finals

Kannur, Apr 22 (UNI) Viva, Kerala stormed into the finals of the E K Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup International Football Tournament trouncing SBT, Kerala, 4-1, in the second semi-finals at the flood-lit Jawahar Stadium here today.

The winners will take on F C Nama, Ghana, in the finals on Tuesday.

While Anil Kumar scored two goals, Sreenath and Shyju completed the tally for the winners, Abdul Noushad reduced the margin for the loseers.

Viva led by 1-0 in the first session.

Though Viva had missed the service of its talented Baba Tunde as he had collected two yellow cards, it had no difficulty to rout the bankmen.

Anil Kumar, who suceeded in opening the score board netted the first goal in the 15th minute added another goal in the 66th minute.

After that it had two more changes to increase the lead. But their striker Shyju muffed up the chances.

Though the mid-fielders of the bankmen played well, their strikers failed to utilise the chances properly.

However, after lemon break, with renewed energy SBT lashed out and succeeded in bringing the parity through a beautifull volley by Abdul Noushad in the 61st minute.

However, the joy did not last long as Anilkumar pulled out the lead again for Viva five minutes later.

With one goal lead, Viva took control of the game and its strikers substitute Sreenath and Shyje completed the tally in the 78th and 81st minute respectively.

Iran XI will take on SBT, Kerala in losers final tomorrow.

UNI