Santhosh Trophy; Lost to Punjab, Rajasthan out before semi-finals

MALAPPURAM: Rajasthan, who lost all three matches in the Santosh Trophy football tournament, are out before the semi-finals. In Group A, Rajasthan lost by four goals to Punjab today. Tarun Slatia came on as a substitute for Punjab and scored two goals. Amarpreet Singh and Parmjit Singh scored one goal each.

In the first match against West Bengal, Punjab made two changes in the playing eleven in defense and midfield and one change in attack. There were two changes in the Rajasthan line-up as well. Rajasthan got their first chance in the fourth minute of the first half. The ball was deflected by the Punjab goalkeeper. Later Punjab got several oppurtunities.In the 9th minute, Jashdeep Singh picked up a pass from the midfielder over the Rajasthan defense, but the Punjab keeper tried to score, but was blocked by the goalkeeper. The next opportunity came in the 25th minute. Jashdeep's shot from just in front of the box was deflected by the goalkeeper. The next opportunity in the 30th minute was Amarpreet's opportunity. Punjab took the lead in the 38th minute. Defender Manveer Singh headed Amarpreet out of the box. Amarpreet used this opportunity to score a goal with his left foot.

Punjab started attack play early in the second half. Punjab doubled their lead in the 63rd minute. Punjab's Manveer Singh was sent off for a foul on the left wing. The third goal was scored in the 70th minute. Rajasthan's corner kick was converted by substitute Tarun Slatia. Punjab continued to received oppurtunities, but Rajasthan goalkeeper Gajraj Singh came to the rescue. In the 81st minute, the lead was increased to four. The long throw from the right wing was extended to the box. In the box,Tarun Slatia scored the second goal.