GUWAHATI: Kerala dashed Arunachal Pradesh’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the Santosh Trophy 2023-24 by securing a 2-0 victory at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Wednesday (February 28).
Forward Muhammed Ashiq S and substitute Arjun V each found the net, propelling Kerala to victory with a goal in each half.
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The reigning champions of the 2021-22 Santosh Trophy significantly boosted their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds, amassing seven points from four matches.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh, with just one point from four games, saw its aspirations of securing a top-four position in Group A dissipate.
Despite Arunachal’s spirited start, Kerala weathered the early pressure and began asserting control over the match. Kerala’s Naresh B missed a promising opportunity in the 25th minute, failing to capitalize on a counterattack.
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However, Muhammed Ashiq made amends by heading in a cross from Mohamed Safneed in the 35th minute to give Kerala the lead.
Arjun V extended Kerala’s advantage in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on a clearance from a long throw to slot the ball past the Arunachal goalkeeper.
Although Arunachal enjoyed prolonged spells of possession as the game progressed, they struggled to penetrate Kerala’s defense effectively.
Despite ending the match with more possession, Arunachal failed to translate it into meaningful opportunities, with Kerala maintaining control and denying any scoring chances.
In another match, Services strengthened their bid for a spot in the quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Assam.
Thingnam Bidhyasagar Singh and P Christopher Kamei scored for Services, securing a comfortable win.
Kamei’s goal, scored from an indirect free-kick inside the penalty box, showcased Services’ dominance in the match.
With nine points from four games, Services consolidated their position, while Assam’s chances took a hit, leaving them with six points from as many matches. Assam faces a tough task against Goa on March 1.