Kochi, November 21: Formidable Goa, asserting their supremacy right through the tourney, clinched the prestigious Santosh Trophy defeating a fighting Maharashtra 3-1 in extra time in the Air India Express National Football Championship in Kochi on Monday.

The two teams had ended in a deadlock scoring one goal apiece at the completion of regulation time.

Felip Gomes (73rd), Nicholu Rodrigues in the 15th minute of the first extra time and substitute Joaquim Abranches completed the tally in the 9th minute of the second extra time for the Goans, while Soccor Velho (72nd) found the target for Maharashtra.

In a fitting finale to the tournament, both Goa and Maharashtra enthralled the soccer fans with their pleasing game.

Though Goans had the slight edge in the exchanges, Maharashtra too matched their famed rivals and on a couple of occasions threatened to forge ahead.

Kerala finish third.

The Goans could have won the match by a bigger margin, but for the inaccurate marksmanship of their frontmen Freddy Mascarenhas and Antony Pereira, who had messed up chances from close.

Goans had also missed a golden opportunity when they earned a penalty for an off the ball foul by Maharashtra goalkeeper Israt Kamal on Climax Lawrence.

Referee Shaji C Kurien of Kerala had no hesitation in pointing to the dreaded point and Climax, who took the shot, drove over the horizontal much to the dismay of his teammates.PTI.

Our Sports Reporter adds: This is the fourth time that Goa has won the Santosh Trophy.

Goa had an impressive run upto to the final summit against Maharastra who stunned defending champion Kerala in the other semi final.

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