Santosh Trophy: Free-scoring Kerala take on sturdy J&K in quarters

High-flying Kerala will take on Jammu and Kashmir in the quarterfinals of the Santosh Trophy final round in Hyderabad on Friday. The match scheduled to kick-off at the Deccan Arean on 2.30 pm will be live streamed on the SSEN app.

Managed by Biby Thomas, Kerala have been the star attraction of the ongoing campaign. Kerala won four to seal the quarterfinal berth with a game in hand. A much-changed Kerala then kept the unbeaten run going with a 1-1 draw against Tamil Nadu en route to the quarterfinals.

Kerala had a perfect record in qualification, winning all three and scoring 18 goals without conceding. In the final round, Kerala scored 11 goals, the most in the competition, and conceded just four.

“A Kerala team is always expected to continue winning each time we are on the pitch. But it is also important not to let the players feel that pressure. They must enjoy their game,” coach Biby said on the eve of the quarterfinals.

Kerala's opponents did not have an easy entry to the knockouts. J&K lost two and drew one of their five matches to finish fourth in Group A, while Kerala topped Group B.

However, Biby does not take them lightly. “J&K are a physical side. None of our games have been easy. Even when people say, 'Oh, you won 3-0, easy', we know it was never easy. It is going to be the same in the quarterfinals. But we must score early and remain disciplined,” Biby said.

Gani doubtful, rest fit
Gani Nigam was unused in the last two matches, and coach Biby confirmed that his star player had fitness issues. “He played a lot of matches in the season, so we did not want to risk him. Thankfully, the others stepped up. Everyone else is fit and available,” Biby said.

Kerala have used all 22 members of the squad, including the three goalkeepers and the youngest member, Mohammed Rishad Gafoor, a 17-year-old midfielder from Malappuram.

Naseeb Rahman and Muhammad Ajsal are Kerala's leading goal scorers with six goals each. They should return to the starting XI, alongside playmaker Nijo Gilbert. Captain Sanju G and Manoj M would marshall the defence in front of Hajmal S, while Christy Davis is set to manage play from central midfield.