Kerala enters Santhosh Trophy final, thrashes Punjab 4-0 in semifinal

DIBRUGARH: Kerala have booked a place in the Santhosh Trophy football final after crushing strong contenders Punjab by an emphatic 4-0 win. Kerala have been qualified for the title clash for the second consecutive time. In Sunday’s final, Kerala will face Services, who reached the final by defeating Railways 2–0. From the opening whistle at the Dakhuwakhana Stadium, Kerala dominated the proceedings.

Mohammed Ajsal opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Mohammed Riyas then struck twice, finding the net in the 34th and 83rd minutes. Just before halftime, M Vignesh added another goal, effectively sealing Kerala’s place in the final.

As the match slipped out of their hands, Punjab resorted to rough play. Punjab player Harjit was sent off after receiving a red card for fouling Kerala’s E Sajeesh. Punjab tried hard to pull back a goal in the second half, but failed to breach Kerala’s solid defence.