Kochi: The Kerala team for the final round of the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship was announced here on Wednesday.
Kerala, coached by Satheevan Balan, have picked a 22-member squad. Nijo Gilbert has been named captain. The tournament will be held in Arunachal Pradesh from February 21 to March 9. Arunachal Pradesh is hosting the tournament for the first time.
The Kerala team will leave for Arunachal Pradesh from the Nedumbassery Airport on Saturday night. The 12 teams have been divided into two groups of six each. The top four from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. Kerala have been placed in Group A along with Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Goa and Services. Kerala will take on Assam in their opening match on February 21.
Kerala squad
Goalkeepers: Muhammed Azhar, Sidharth Rajeevan, Muhammed Nishad P P.
Defenders: Belgin Bolster, Sanju G, Shinu R, Mohammed Salim, Sarath K P, Nithin Madhu, Akhil J Chandran, Sujith V R
Midfielders: Arjun V, Jithin G, Gifty Gracious, Mohammed Safneed P P, Nijo Gilbert, Abdhu Raheem, Akbar Sidhique
Forwards: Sajeesh E, Muhammed Ashiq S, Naresh B, Rizwan Ali E K
Head coach: Satheevan Balan
Assistant coach: P K Assis
Manager: Dr P M Sudhir Kumar
Goalkeeping coach: Harshal Rahman
Physio: Rodregues Nellissery
Kerala's fixtures: vs Assam, February 21, 2.30 pm
Vs Goa, February 23, 7 pm
Vs Meghalaya, February 25, 2.30 pm
Vs Arunachal Pradesh, February 28, 2.30 pm
Vs Services, March 1, 10 am
