Santosh Trophy: Kerala win over Goa in high-scoring tie

In a thrilling contest that saw seven goals exchanged, Kerala edged past Goa with a scoreline of 4-3 in the 78th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at the Deccan Arena, Hyderabad on Sunday.

Hyderabad: In a thrilling contest that saw seven goals exchanged, Kerala edged past Goa with a scoreline of 4-3 in the 78th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at the Deccan Arena, Hyderabad on Sunday.

Goa opened the scoring with Nigel Fernandes in the 2nd minute of the game, but Muhammed Riyas (16’), Muhammad Ajsal (27’) and Naseeb (33’) gave Kerala a strong lead before Christy Davis sealed the victory in the 69th minute. A late brace from Shubert Joanus Pereira (78’, 86’), wasn’t enough to secure the win for Goa.

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In the other match, Damanbhalang Chyne scored a brace to power Meghalaya’s comeback from two goals down, salvaging a 2-2 draw against Tamil Nadu. Pandiyan Sinivasan had given Tamil Nadu an early lead in the 2nd minute, and Alexander Romaria Jesuraj’s goal in the 45+2th minute ensured Tamil Nadu ended the first half strong. However, Damanbhalang Chyne’s 50th minute and 69th minute strikes helped Meghalaya earn a draw.

Results: Kerala 4 (Muhammed Riyas 16’, Muhammad Ajsal 27’, Naseeb 33’, Christy Davis 69’) bt Goa 3 (Nigel Fernandes 2’, Shubert Joanus Pereira 78’, 86’); Tamil Nadu 2 (Pandiyan Sinivasan 2’, Alexander Romaria Jesuraj 45+2’) drew with Meghalaya 2 (Damanbhalang Chyne 50’, 69’).