Group winners Karnataka qualified for the semi-finals of the 2009 Mir Iqbal Sub-Junior Nationals in style following an overpowering 8-0 victory against Pondicherry in their final group game at the Air India Ground, Kalina. Despite resting most of their key players, Karnataka dominated proceedings and scored at regular intervals.
Opening the account for Karnataka as early as the fifth minute, striker Tongmong had an impressive game and wasted no time in making his presence felt – his subsequent strikes in the 10th and 18th minute helping him register a quick fire hat-trick.
Strike-partner Chander Kumar was another player who scored three goals– opening his account just past the half-hour mark. The milestone was achieved in the 89th minute as the forward notched up his third – and Karnataka’s eighth and final goal – of the encounter.
Midfielders Sunil Kumar and Shivaram contributed with a goal each to round off the eight goal tally.
Surprisingly, the Karnataka forwards regularly kept testing Pondicherry keeper Ramakrishnan with some outrageous long-range attempts from the halfway line throughout the course of the game. Busy and gloveless as always, Ramakrishnan had a decent outing under the sticks.
All in all, Pondicherry put in a spirited - and arguably their best - performance this time around and did well to contain the group leaders to eight goals. For a team fresh off their 27-0 defeat against Goa in the previous round, the boys held up commendably.
The action now shifts to the two high profile semi-finals to be played on the 24th of this month. Karnataka take on Andhra Pradesh while hosts Maharashtra take on Goa to decide who goes through to the All-India finals to represent the South and West Zones.
