Mumbai: Opportunist goal-scorer Bhavesh Rao cashed in on the chances that came his way to record a hat-trick that helped Karnataka Amateurs Sports Club put it across Jai Bharat Sports Club by a comfortable 4-2 margin in a quarter-final match of the Karnatak Sporting Association (KSA) organised 14th Adv. A.R. Kudrolli Memorial Knockout Football Tournament 2021-22, and played at the KSA ground, Cross Maidan.
Karnataka Amateurs and Jai Bharat were engaged in a keen tussle and there was plenty of action in front of the goal at both ends. The Amateurs striker Bhavesh was quick to pounce on the opportunities and fired in three goals, while teammate Allen Thomas netted one to complete the winning scoreline.
Jai Bharat who put a good fight managed to score two goals through the efforts of Saumil Damor and Rayan Gracias, both scoring a goal each.
In the second match of the day, Star of Canara Sports Club rallied from a 0-1 deficit to get the better of Mangalore Blues Sports Club by a 3-1 scoreline. Mangalore Blues took an early lead through Akshay Devadiga, but their joy was short-lived as Star of Canara striker Viraj Shetty scored the equalizer and the teams went into the break tied 1-all.
In the second half, Akshay Rathod helped Star of Canara snatch the lead before Brendon Picardo struck the third goal to complete the winning tally for the winners.
Results – quarter-finals: Star of Canara SC 3 (Viraj Shetty, Akshay Rathod, Brendon Picardo) beat Mangalore Blues SC 1 (Akshay Devadiga).
Karnataka Amateurs SC 4 (Bhavesh Rao 3, Allen Thomas) beat Jai Bharat SC 2 (Saumil Damor, Rayan Gracias).
