2024-02-20 20:30:00
21 February 2024, 02:00 AM IST
Abhinath Thiruvalath from Itanagar
Kerala players in training to face Assam in Santosh Trophy football on Wednesday I Photo: P. Krishna Pradeep
: Kerala to rise in the land of the rising sun. In the first match of Santosh Trophy football final round, Kerala’s opponent will be North-Eastern powers Assam. The match is scheduled for 2.30 pm on Wednesday at the Uppia Golden Jubilee Turf Stadium in Arunachal, which is hosting the tournament for the first time. Last year’s runners-up Meghalaya will take on six-time winners Services in the opening match at 10 am. In another match at 7 pm, Goa and the hosts Arunachal will clash.
Aiming for an eighth title
Kerala, seven-time winners of the tournament, will be looking to start Group A with a win on Wednesday. In the qualifying round, Kerala scored 12 goals in four games and conceded only one goal. Having good players in defense and captain Nijo Gilbert’s form in midfield boosts the team’s confidence. On the other hand, Assam is the team that scored 20 goals without conceding a single goal in the qualifying round. Dipu Mirdayak, who scored seven goals, will challenge Kerala.
Kerala’s group consists of Arunachal along with strong Services, Meghalaya and Goa. There are a total of 37 matches in the three-week long tournament. This year, the tournament is being held on a turf field for the first time. This is because the grass field is not practical for playing in the conditions of Arunachal where it rains frequently.
The decision of All India Football Association was to conduct the tournament in collaboration with FIFA.
It was also reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino will attend the tournament. But, considering the political situation in Arunachal, FIFA withdrew from this visit.
Kerala Possible XI:
Goalkeeper: Mohammad Azhar
Defense
G. Sanju, R. Shinu, Belgin Bolster, Muhammad Salim
middle row
G. Jitin, V. Arjun, K. Abdu Rahim, Nijo Gilbert (captain)
progress
Muhammad Ashiq, E. Sajeesh.
“I thought it would be a challenge to play at a high altitude, but I gained confidence after training here for two days. Coming against Assam with confidence. Assam is excelling under the goal. They are also ahead in wing attacks as they have good wingers. There is also special excellence in counter-attacks. He also has a special flair for scoring set pieces. Our children have the talent to overcome all this.” -Sathivan Balan, Kerala coach.
“It was good to be able to reach Arunachal early and start training. All the actors play with great harmony. The goal is the crown. He is ready to work hard for that.
-Nijo Gilbert, Kerala captain
Assam in the qualifying round
Assam 5-0 Bihar
Assam 1-0 Railways
Assam 2-0 Chandigarh
Assam 5-0 Rajasthan
Assam 7-0 Himachal Pradesh
Kerala in the qualifying round
Kerala 3-0 Gujarat
Kerala 6-1 Jammu and Kashmir
Kerala 3-0 Chandigarh
Kerala 0-1 Goa
Eupaia Stadium
Located at Upia in Papum Pare district is Arunachal Pradesh’s largest outdoor stadium. The Golden Jubilee Stadium can accommodate 15,000 people. The 15-acre stadium was renovated last year at a cost of Rs 60 crore. It is a FIFA top class stadium.
Performance in Qualifying Rounds
Kerala
Game – 4
Victory – 3
Draw – 0
Defeat – 1
Goa
Game – 4
Victory – 3
Draw – 1
Defeat – 0
Assam
Game – 5
Victory – 5
Draw – 0
Defeat – 0
Services
Game – 5
Victory – 5
Draw – 0
Defeat – 0
Last year’s runner-up Meghalaya directly qualified for the final round. Arunachal also qualified directly as they were the hosts.
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