Kozhikode: Kerala will enter the crucial match of Santosh Trophy 2nd Group today aiming to qualify for the final round. The match is at 3.30 pm. An easy win against Jammu and Kashmir will ensure the final round for the defending champions Kerala even if they draw the mighty Mizoram in the last match. The Kerala-Mizoram match is on the 8th.
Mizoram became a serious challenge for Kerala when they beat Rajasthan 4-0 in the fourth match yesterday. All 4 goals were in the second half. Lalro Keema (59), Lalbiak Dika (77), Lalhunmavia (85) and Lalbiak Dika (92) scored the goals for Mizoram.
With this win, Mizoram have won all 4 games and lead the group with 12 points. Kerala has played only 3 games. Kerala is already ahead in goal average. Kerala has scored 16 goals in 3 games. Mizoram have scored 13 goals so far. A good win against Jammu and Kashmir in today’s match will only be enough if they don’t lose against Mizoram.
Group 1 winners qualify directly for the final round. The top 3 second placed teams will also qualify.
Bineesh, assistant coach of the Kerala team, said that although Jammu is a weak team, it does not look any less.
In the first match yesterday, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar scored one goal each and ended in a draw. Narendra Madhiwal scored for Andhra Pradesh in the 26th minute while Bihar’s Arif Siddiqui equalized in the 53rd minute.
English Summary: Santosh Trophy, Kerala vs Jammu Kashmir Match Updates