Ganesh powers Game Point to title win in 13th Jaya Rao Memorial Football Tournament

Ganesh was the hero of the final as his strike powered Game Point of Nizampet to a solitary goal victory over Pro Kicks of Kowkoor in the final of the 13th Jaya Rao Memorial Inter-School Tournament at the Bolarum Sporting Football Ground in Secunderabad on Sunday evening.

In what was a keenly contested final, Game Point and Pro Kicks played their hearts out but neither side was able to breach the rival citadel for long period of time.

Pro Kicks edge Tony to book final berth against Game Point, who defeated St Patrick’s

However, Ganesh proved to be the saviour for Game Point. Ganesh capitalized on a beautiful through pass by Balachandra to slot the ball past the Pro Kicks goalkeeper to the cheer of his team.

St Patrick’s down Tony FC to take 3rd place

In the contest for the third place, St Patrick’s managed to edge Tony Football Club 2-1.

Ayjaaz scored a brace to help St Patrick’s finish third, while Akash scored the consolatory goal for Tony FC. In a consolation for Tony FC who had put a good show in the tournament, Ronith was named Best Player of the Tournament.

Capt Sanjay Apage (retd) and asst general manager security, State Bank of India, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. Sanjay Apage along with Aleem Khan DYSO (retd), and Victor Amalraj, former captain of the Indian football team, distributed the prizes.

Looking at the performances of the teams in the tournament, ES Shyam, organising secretary, said that they will be conducting league matches for schools, academies and clubs on the weekends. There will be at least 12-15 matches so that youngsters will have the opportunity to hone their skills better and it would help in the development of the game in the long run.

Results (final): Game Point Nizampet 1 (Ganesh) beat Pro Kicks Kowkoor 0.

3rd place: St Patrick’s 2 (Ayjaaz 2) beat Tony Football Club 1 (Akash).

Best goalkeeper: Saharsh of Game Point.

Best defender: K Arush of Pro Kicks.

Best midfielder: B V Nisit Sai

Best striker: Roshan of St Patrick’s.

Best player of the tournament: Ronith of Tony Football Club.