FC Nania wins Nayanar football

FC Nania, Ghana, lifted the E K Nayanar Memorial Football Gold Cup, blanking Viva Kerala 3-0 at the Municipal Jawahar stadium in Kannur on Tuesday evening.

Nartey Ebenezer's double strikes in the 40th and 45th minutes put the visitors 2-0 up before Charles Boatepng rounded off the tally with a 66th minute strike.

The Kochi-based Viva team simply did not have the wherewithal to turn tables on their opponents.

Viva Kerala virtually surrendered before a fine all-round display from the African side. The home side was not allowed to recover from the initial setback and their desperate efforts for a goal was thwarted by the stout defence and the quick attacks of the Ghanian team.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan gave away the prizes.