Football
Citadel Godavari Legends FC shoot-out Coromandel FC 3-0, win AP Super Cup
Citadel Godavari Legends FC prevailed in the shoot-out to lay hands on the prestigious AP Super Cup. In a what turned out to be a pulsating football final, Citadel Godavari Legends FC defeated Coromandel FC 3-0 in the shoot-out at the RDT Stadium in Anantapur on Wednesday.
The title clash lived up to expectations of the fans as both teams put up a spirited performance but neither side was able to breach the rival fortress. Both teams got a couple of scoring opportunities, but they went abegging. With neither team being able to score in the regular time, the match headed to the extra-time.
However, during this period too the deadlock continued. Hence, the match had to be decided in a penalty shootout. Citadel Godavari Legends FC’s goalkeeper Sachin Jha turned out to be the hero of the day as he saved three penalties and thereby sealed the matter in favour of his team. Sachin Jha was named the Man of the Match award for his stupendous work under the bar.
Citadel Godavari Legends FC co-owners Prudhvi Kolavanty (left) and Shahzeb Hussain
Citadel Godavari Legends FC players held their composure in the shootout and converted three penalties through Raja Debnath, Vignesh Vel Murugan and Rameshor Meetei.
The victory not only earned Citadel Godavari Legends FC the AP Super Cup but also secured them a prize money of ₹10 lakh. The AP Super Cup is regarded as one of the biggest football tournaments in India in terms of prize money and competitive structure, drawing attention from football circles across the country.
The tournament featured eight teams, Coromandel, Kolleru, Penna, Godavari, Visakha, Vamsadhara, Nallamala and Thungabhadra, each representing a distinct region of Andhra Pradesh. Played in a round-robin format followed by knockout stages, the competition provided a strong platform for regional talent and competitive football.
Citadel Godavari Legends FC head coach Syed Alamdar Raza with the AP Super Cup winners’ trophy
The Citadel Godavari Legends FC was guided by Head Coach Syed Alamdar Raza, who was assistant coach of Abbas Union FC last year and worked along with football legend Shabbir Ali who was the head coach of Abbas Union FC in the I League 3. Raza did his B License coaching course from AFC/AIFF. Anand Reddy is the assistant coach of Citadel Godavari Legends FC.
The team is owned by India and Andhra cricketer KS Bharat and Rajesh Ravuri from Andhra. It is also co-owned by Prudhvi Kolavanty of Citadel and Shahzeb Hussain of Legend FC, Hyderabad. Both Prudhvi and Shahzeb are from Shabbir Ali’s club.
In fact, Abid, Raja Debnath and Yousuf of Hyderabad and Rajesh of Andhra Pradesh, who were seen in action in this tournament, had played for Abbas Union FC in I League 3.