TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2014 FEDERATION CUP GROUP STAGES

The 2014 edition of the Federation Cup being played in Kerala saw a lot of lively action from the players, coaches and even the fans. Here are the top 5 moments that rank among the highlights of the tournament.

1. Balwant Singh’s amazing dribbling combined with unmatched speed against United SC

Balwant Singh has already made his name popular among the Indian football community with his stellar performances in the Airtel i-League and he continued the supreme run in the Federation Cup. The attacker showed tremendous quality to run past defenders with ease in one stunning move when he caught the United SC defence off-guard and breezed past his marker after knocking the ball forward and outrunning the clueless defender. That was followed by a perfect finish against the helpless United SC custodian.

2. Cornell Glen’s hat-trick against Mumbai FC

Shillong Lajong FC’s run in the Federation Cup might have ended early this year but Cornell Glen’s magnificence stood out in the midst of his team’s poor performance. The Trinidad and Tobago forward was at his very best with some neat finishing on display and added another feather to his hat with his sensational hat-trick against Mumbai FC. His third goal in particular was a treat to watch, as he curled the ball past the wall into the bottom right corner.

3. Inspiring performances from Eagles FC and Rangdajied United FC

Eagles FC are a second division side; Rangdajied United FC is battling relegation in the Airtel i-League. Despite failing to qualify for the Federation Cup semi-finals, both teams put up a brave fight against some top teams. The Eagles FC performance against mighty Pune FC in their first match gave a clear indication that Stanley Rozario’s boys were no pushovers. That was followed by an impressive performance against Churchill Brothers where they fell short by just a goal. Against United SC, they showed their killer instinct and the Kerala based side walked out of the Federation Cup with their heads high following a 2-0 victory. Eagles FC too finished an unlikely second in their group with 4 points from 3 games, ahead of Pune FC and United SC.

Rangdajied United FC on the other hand spoiled the hopes of the powerhouses of Indian Football, Bengaluru FC and East Bengal. Starting the campaign with two consecutive draws against East Bengal and Bengaluru FC, Rangdajied United had the chance to even qualify for the semi finals, but SC Goa’s victory over them, brought their dream run to an end.

4. Koko Sakibo’s Brilliant Goal against Pune FC

Koko Sakibo’s wonder goal against Pune FC was one of the highlights of the 2013-14 Federation Cup group stages. The forward, who went on to become joint top scorer in the group stages, latched onto a long ball before managing to outsmart not one but six Pune FC defenders with his precise ball control to score the equalizer for Eagles FC.

5. Manjeri witnesses massive turn out

Last but not the least, the enormous crowd that gathered on every match day at the MDS Complex in Manjeri was worthy of making the headlines itself. The massive, football crazy crowd of Kerala made the atmosphere electric, cheering every slick move on field. Unfortunately, there was no live coverage of the matches at Manjeri because of the lack of infrastructure. astructure. However, the spectacular crowd support still showcased the love for the game among the people of Kerala, letting us know clearly which sport rules their hearts.