Substitute Sajeesh E starred with a hat-trick in Kerala's 10-0 humbling of Lakshadweep in the 78th Santosh Trophy National Football Championship at EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode, on Friday. Sajeesh, who entered the field in the 32nd minute, scored in the 37th, 78th, and 89th minutes.
Kerala established early dominance with Muhammad Ajsal and Naseeb Rahman finding the net in the sixth and ninth minutes, respectively. Ajsal added another goal in the 20th minute before being replaced by Sajeesh. After gaining a 4-0 lead at half-time, Kerala dominated the second half with seven additional goals. Arjun V (46), Gani Ahmmed Nigam (55, 81), and Muhammed Musharaf (57) contributed to Kerala's impressive tally.
Railways secured a convincing 10-1 victory against Pondicherry in the day's opening match. Losing to Kerala previously, Railways now have three points from two games. The scorers for Railways included Sufiyan Shaikh (3), Mohammed Fardan Ali Molla (2), Muhammed Ashiq S, Subrata Murmu, Johnson Joseph Mathews, John Paul Jose, and Devindra C (own goal). Beskin Golson scored Pondicherry's consolation goal in the 80th minute.
Kerala, with six points from two matches, are well-positioned for final round qualification. A draw against Pondicherry in their final group match would secure their progression, though a Pondicherry victory would see them advance on a head-to-head basis.
