With eight former internationals in their ranks, Kerala XI looked favourites to lift the title. The hosts, KSA Red, had other ideas as they weathered the early pressure from the Kerala XI forward line. Kerala XI left back Soly Xavier had a volley sail just wide during their period of domination. Kerala XI had a great chance to go ahead when Xavier played in Santosh but his right footed shot sailed far over. The hosts made the most of the early misses by Kerala XI when Suresh Arya put in a neat cross for Manzoor Arfin to send a looping header past former India keeper, KT Chako.

The second half saw man-to-man marking from both teams making it very difficult for the either side to mount an attack. As time ticked away Kerala XI were forced to go on the attack, leaving their defense exposed for KSA to attack. The whistle blew moments later giving the hosts a well deserved victory.