SZ inter-university championship: MG regain title

Kottayam: Hosts MG University regained the South Zone inter-university football championship after a gap of 28 years at the MA College ground, Kothamangalam, on Monday.

MG played out a goalless draw with Kerala University in their final semifinal league game to clinch the title.

MG, who only needed a draw against Kerala, finished on top with seven points from three matches, while Kerala claimed the runners-up spot with five points.

Calicut University, who beat SRM University on penalties in their final fixture, ended third.

All four teams have qualified for the all-India inter-university championship which begins at Kothamangalam on Wednesday.

MG edged out SRM University 2-1 earlier in the day to post their second successive win in the semifinal league.

Gifty Gracious put MG ahead in the 24th minute while Roshan doubled the lead in the 42nd. Allan Rahul pulled one back for SRM in the 68th.

Calicut and Kerala played out a 1-1 draw in another match.

Shahid scored for Kerala while Suhail found the mark for Calicut.

MG had stunned defending champions Calicut 1-0 on Sunday.

Best goalkeeper - Suhail Shanu (Calicut)

Best promising player - Arjun V (MG University)

Best striker - Akhin T S (Kerala)

Best midfielder - Nitin Wilson (MG University)

Best defender - Ajay Alex (MG)