This was a rare sporting celebration in the valley. As the referee blew the whistle, the deafening roar was accompanied by bursts of firecrackers. The match was fast-paced and exciting, but the result can only be described in one word: stunning.

Jammu and Kashmir defeated Delhi 4-0 in the first of the Santosh Trophy pre-quarterfinals.

J&K took the lead as early as the the ninth minute, when international Ishfaq dribbled past several defenders and drilled the shot. This was Ishfaq’s fifth goal of the tournament in just two outings.

No let-up

There was no let-up in their attacks and at the half-hour mark, Mohammad Asif intercepted the ball as Delhi ‘keeper Rajat Guha messed up a clearance and doubled the lead. Minutes before the half-time whistle, the hosts missed another chance when a kick from Asif flew over the post.

In the second half, Delhi bounced back and made several attempts on goal. The strikers, however, failed to convert their chances, in part from their inaccuracy, but also because of the brilliance of Tanveer Ahmad, the J&K goalkeeper.

As the minutes counted down, Delhi went all out in an attempt to survive, and the J&K strikers, amde terrific use of all the space they were gifted. Three minutes to go, Ishfaq, once again, rushed past the Delhi defence to score his second and his team’s third. And even as the almost five thousand fans got busy celebrating, S Rizwan sealed Delhi’s fate with another goal in the 89th minute, off Ishfaq’s pass.

... contd.