Bhubaneswar: Kerala defeated Odisha in the crucial match of Santosh Trophy football. The defending champions won by a goal to none. With this, Kerala activated the semi-final possibility.
In the 16th minute, Nijo Gilbert scored a goal for Kerala through a penalty. As the match was crucial for both the teams, Kerala and Odisha played attacking football till the first minute. In the 15th minute, the Odisha player got hold of Kerala’s cross and the referee awarded a penalty. Gilbert took the kick and put the ball into the net.
This is Gilbert’s third goal in the final round. Later on, we saw Odisha playing aggressively to return the goal. Often the hosts mounted a challenge inside the Kerala box. But Kerala resisted all the moves. The winners and runners-up of both groups will qualify for the semi-finals.
If they win the match against Punjab on Sunday, Kerala can reach the semi-finals. Punjab is currently leading Group A with 10 points from four matches. Karnataka is second with eight points from so many matches. Third placed Kerala has seven points.