RAIA: Kerala downed Gujarat 3-0 in the Group A league match of the 77th Santosh Trophy football tournament played at SAG ground, Benaulim, on Wednesday.
It didn’t take long for Kerala to open the scoring as midfielder Akbar Sidhique netted in the 12th minute.
In the 33rd minute, Sidhique doubled the lead. Immediately, midfielder Nijo Gilbert made the affair safe for Kerala by scoring in the 35th minute.
Downed with three goals, Gujarat made forays in the rival citadel in search of goals but in vain.
At the breather, Kerala were leading 3-0.
On resumption of play, Gujarat regrouped with renewed ideas and started attacking the opponent’s goal. Couple of times, they came close to scoring but missed by whiskers.
In the 47th minute, Gujarat Midfielder Chunsaba Bariam missed a beautiful chance to reduce the margin.
In another match, Jammu and Kashmir scored a solitary goal win over Chhattisgarh. Forward Raja Musharaf scored the match winner in the 45th minute.
Post match, speaking to mediapersons Kerala coach Satheevan Balan said, “I am happy with the today’s performance but still we have to improve. Gujarat have good players and also fit too.”
When asked, in this group which is the toughest team, Balan replied Goa team is the best amongst all with potential players.
Gujarat coach Marcelino Pereira, said, “My team in the first half was bit nervous but they performed well overall. Some players are still nursing injuries but will recover for the next match. Today we missed more than four goals scoring chances, one hit the bar.”
On the toughest team in the group comment, Marcelino also disclosed it is Goa. Goa is close to my heart but my team will play good game against them.
