Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
KERALA: Goa failed to make a good start in their campaign by losing against Kerala 3-4 in the final round of Santosh Trophy match played in Hyderabad, on Sunday.
Goa’ striker Nigel Fernandes stunned Kerala with a goal in the very second minute. But Biby Thomas’ Kerala bounced back in style taking a 3-1 lead at the end of the first half.
Muhammad Riyas PT, Muhammad Ajsal and Naseeb Rahman penned their names on n the scorer’s sheet inside the first 33 minutes. Christy Davis made it 4-1 in the 69th minute to virtually seal the victory.
However, Goa staged a brilliant comeback through substitute Shubert Pereira, who netted a brace in the 78th and 86th minute to make the closing moments tense. However, Kerala managed to hold on to the narrow advantage.
RESULT
Kerala 4 (Muhammed Riyas 16’, Muhammed Ajsal 27’, Naseeb Rahman 33’, Christy Davis 69’) Goa (Nigel Fernandes 2’, Shubert Pereira 78’, 86’)