Braving light rain and tricky underfoot conditions, Krousar Thmey Hunters prevailed over DDP 2-1 in a final of fluctuating fortunes to take top honours among girls in the 3rd ISF Football Tournament for the Deaf at the Mekong Pitch on Sunday.

The Krousar Thmey boys also rose to the occasion and won their final against Epic Arts 1-0 to ensure a sweep for the Phnom Penh organisation in this unique one-day event.

Interestingly, the Hunters scored all three goals in the girls’ final – but the first one was for their rivals. After 10 minutes of missed chances on both sides, a dramatic save by the Hunters back line went terribly wrong when the ball cannoned into the goal off the back of one of their own players.

But the side quickly put this setback behind them, striker Ham Angelee soon finding the equaliser.

With the tension mounting, Krousar Thmey were awarded a penalty in the last minute of the game after one of the DDP players handled the ball. The spot kick, however, was missed.

In the ensuing 10 minutes of extra time, DDP saw one of their attempts foiled, but on the counter attack the Hunters found the match winner through Eng Kok Sambath.

The Krousar Thmey boys, in contrast, took the lead 20 minutes into their final through Heng Sotheavy and were never in danger of losing it.

The credit for restricting the scoreline to just one should go to the Epic Arts goalkeeper Tov Bunroath, who came up with several fine saves.

In the semifinals, Krousar Thmey trounced one of their own units 5-1, while Epic Arts dismissed DDP 2-0.

“The ISF is very proud to support these tournaments, and we are committed to continuing our work with players of all abilities,” ISF’s country manager Kate Griffin told the Post.

To contact the reporter on this story: H S Manjunath at [email protected]