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At the TransStadia on Tuesday morning, Kickstart FC banked on Kioko Elizabeth Katungwa’s injury-time strike to defeat HOPS FC 2-1.
The team from Bengaluru began the proceedings with a solid display of attacking football. They took the lead in the 17th minute, courtesy of Kaviya Pakkirisamy’s right-footed strike from the edge of the box. The shot came off the post before deflecting off HOPS FC defender Pooja and going past the goal line.
Earlier, Rajni Bala had the chance to capitalise on an error made by the Kickstart FC defence. But the HOPS FC forward shot straight into the hands of goalkeeper Maibam Linthoingambi Devi.
In the second half, nevertheless, the team from Delhi equalised via Renu Rani. The electric forward made a darting run from the right flank, cut back inside and went for glory. Her shot hit the underside of the crossbar and went in for 1-1.
As the game looked likely to proceed to a penalty shootout, substitute Kioko Elizabeth Katungwa came out of nowhere to flick the ball in from close range and win it for Kickstart FC. Defender Shanglakpam Banti Sharma picked out the Kenyan forward with a towering cross, who squeezed her header past goalkeeper Anshika from a narrow angle.
Kickstart FC skipper Dalima Chhibber was named the Player of the Match for her commanding display at the back.
