Santosh Trophy: Kerala through to quarterfinals

Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh): Kerala beat hosts Arunachal Pradesh 2-0 and booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship after Goa played out a goalless draw with Meghalaya here on Wednesday.

Muhammed Ashiq headed home off a cross by Mohammed Safneed in the 35th minute to put Kerala ahead in the afternoon kick-off. Arjun V made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute for the seven-time champions.

Services outplayed Assam 2-0 in the first match to seal their place in the quarterfinals. Services are leading the group with nine points from four matches, followed by Goa who have eight points.

Kerala are in third spot with seven points. Fourth-placed Assam also made it to the quarterfinals with six points from four outings. Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh crashed out having managed two points and a solitary point respectively.

Muhammed Ashiq drew first blood for Kerala. Photo: X@keralafa

Kerala meet Services in their final group match on Friday (10 am). A win will help Kerala finish at least second in the standings.

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