Kerala crushed Manipur 5-1 to set up a date with Bengal in the final of the Santosh Trophy in Hyderabad on Sunday. Bengal has defeated Services 4-2 in the first semifinals.

Substitute Mohammed Roshal P P scored a hat-trick, which was completed with a penalty converted in the final minute of added time.

Kerala had led 2-1 at half-time, with Naseeb Rahman and Muhammad Ajsal scoring in between a penalty from Shunjanthan Ragui for Manipur.

Kerala and Bengal will play the final at 7.30 pm on December 31, in a repeat of the 2021 final that Kerala won in front of home fans at Manjeri. Biby Thomas's Kerala are seeking an 8th title in the Santosh Trophy.

Result: Kerala 5 (Muhammed Roshal 73, 88, 90+5 (p), Naseeb Rahman 22, Muhammad Ajsal  45+1) bt Manipur 1 (Ragui 30(p))

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