Karnataka qualify to the Khelo India final

Karnataka boys after resisting attacks from a strong Punjab team beat 3-2 to reach the final of the Khelo India Youth Games. The keenly contested first semi-final was between group A winner Punjab, coming from an all-win record in the group stage and Karnataka, runner up from the other group. 

Karnataka took the lead and it was Abhishek again up to his goal-scoring exploits, scoring the first goal for his team via penalty in 18th minute. He has scored in every game played so far in KIYG - total of 5 goals in 4 games. 

Punjab pulled back with a strike from the JCT Football Academy student Karandeep Singh Manota. The semi-final was up for some late first-half action - Punjab took 2-1 lead in through Karandeep again in 45 min, while captain Vishal’s goal made the scoreline 2-2 in the added time. 

Ishaan Raghunanda scored the winner after lemon break, sealing the fate of the game and qualifying for the final. 

In the second semi-final, Kerala defeated Meghalaya 5-3. Karnataka will take on Kerala in the final on Friday, February 10 at the same venue.