SANTOSH TROPHY | Kerala fends off a strong challenge from Goa

Winning start: Kerala’s players celebrate after scoring against Goa in the Santosh Trophy national football championship in Hyderabad on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Kerala rallied to score a 4-3 win against Goa while Meghalaya fought from two goals down to draw with Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy national football championship at the Deccan Arena here on Sunday.

Nigel Fernandes put last year’s runner-up Goa in the lead early on in the second minute, as he turned his marker and slotted it low and hard.

However, Muhammed Riyas, Muhammed Ajsal and Naseeb Rahman all scored in the first half, to put the seven-time champion Kerala in a commanding position.

Christy Davis (69) produced a mazy run from just outside the box, as he beat two defenders, and then sidestepped the onrushing Goa custodian Antonio Da Silva, to score in an empty net.

Goa did mount a late surge, as substitute Shubert Joanus Pereira (78, 86) scored two, but Kerala maintained the lead to take home the points.

Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya locked in a tight battle in the Santosh Trophy national football championship in Hyderabad on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Meghalaya midfielder Damanbhalang Chyne produced a brilliant strike in the 50th minute to find the top corner from outside the box, before he slotted home a 69th minute penalty, to draw his side level after goals by Pandiyan Sinivasan and Alexander Romario Jesuraj had put Tamil Nadu ahead.

The results: Kerala 4 (Muhammed Riyas , Muhammad Ajsal, Naseeb Rahman, Christy Davis) bt Goa 3 (Nigel Fernandes, Shubert Joanus Pereira 2).

Tamil Nadu 2 (Pandiyan Sinivasan, Alexander Romario Jesuraj) drew with Meghalaya 2 (Damanbhalang Chyne 2).