Hamza’s brace helps BEML to lift Puttaiah Memorial Cup

BEML lifts Puttaiah Memorial Cup by defeating MEG convincingly by 2-1.

It was a difficult pitch to display spirited performance, thanks to the incessant drizzle that is happening in this part of the world for the last few days. But both the finalist teams displayed a lively game and entertained a crowd of more than 8000 fans.

Finally, it was BEML the most consistent team, who emerged as the true champion of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup by scoring a goal in each half of the match.

And yet again it was the young and energetic striker from Nigeria, Abdulla Hamza who came to the rescue for BEML. This 20-something happy-go-lucky Nigerian is trying hard to mark his presence felt in India and aspires to play in Europe.

The striker duo of Tiken Singh and Hamza combined well for BEML, coming down from the left flank, Singh’s drifting ball was gathered-up well by Hamza, he coolly beat the charging MEG keeper, and headed the ball into the net.

Prior to the goal, BEML keeper, S Rajan, thwarted a series of attacks from MEG.

MEG tried hard to comeback into the game, however, their attempt took a back seat when their left winger, Girish was shown marching order after commiting a serious offence by deliberately fouling BEML striker RC Prakash.

BEML scored the second goal in the 77th minute, play-maker Mahendra Mani’s right-footed cross was perfect for Hamza to score his 7th goal in this tournament from head.

Later, in the 89th minute, MEG reduced the margin from Ramu’s low grounder free kick.

Cash bounty for the champs

The BEML top brass who were present at the match announced a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for each player. Also, a special cash reward of additional 15,000 went to the top goal scorer Hamza and goalkeeper Rajan.

Lackluster win for HAL

HAL opened their account in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup by defeating CIL by a solitary goal.

Bangalore football giants Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC played their first match in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup against CIL at the Bangalore Football Stadium yesterday evening.

HAL enjoyed most of the possession in the first half, however, the attacking duo of Fredrick Okwabe and Jotin Singh missed the sharpness, and could not get past their opponents to score. Also, a few good solo efforts by their foreigner Fredrick failed to open the goalmouth for HAL.

The second half started on a dull note with the ball mainly played in the middle-third. HAL was fortunate enough to get a penalty from a handball inside thebox. Veteran midfielder J. Muralidharan made no mistake to convert thus saving the blushes for his side.

In the other match, a 10-men team of Rail Wheel Factory was good enough to defeat Super Division newcomers Dharmaraja Union by 4-2.