Kerala showcased its resilience in a high-octane match, defeating Goa 4-3 in the Santosh Trophy national football championship at the Deccan Arena on Sunday. In another gripping clash, Meghalaya fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Tamil Nadu.
Kerala vs. Goa: A Seven-Goal Spectacle
Goa, last year’s runner-up, made an explosive start as Nigel Fernandes found the net in the second minute, turning his marker and firing a low shot past the Kerala goalkeeper. Despite the early setback, Kerala, a seven-time champion, staged an emphatic comeback with three first-half goals.
- Muhammed Riyas leveled the score with a composed finish.
- Muhammed Ajsal added another, putting Kerala ahead.
- Naseeb Rahman extended the lead, leaving Kerala in a commanding position by halftime.
In the second half, Kerala’s Christy Davis produced the moment of the match. Dribbling past two defenders, Davis sidestepped Goa goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net in the 69th minute, making it 4-1.
Goa refused to back down, launching a late surge with substitute Shubert Joanus Pereira scoring twice in quick succession (78′, 86′). Despite the spirited fightback, Kerala held firm to clinch the victory.
Meghalaya vs. Tamil Nadu: A Tale of Two Halves
In the other match, Tamil Nadu seemed in control after first-half goals from Pandiyan Sinivasan and Alexander Romario Jesuraj gave them a 2-0 advantage.
However, Meghalaya turned the tide in the second half, led by midfielder Damanbhalang Chyne.
- Chyne scored a sensational goal in the 50th minute, striking from outside the box into the top corner.
- He then converted a penalty in the 69th minute, completing the comeback and earning his side a crucial point.
Match Results
- Kerala 4 (Muhammed Riyas, Muhammed Ajsal, Naseeb Rahman, Christy Davis) beat Goa 3 (Nigel Fernandes, Shubert Joanus Pereira 2).
- Tamil Nadu 2 (Pandiyan Sinivasan, Alexander Romario Jesuraj) drew with Meghalaya 2 (Damanbhalang Chyne 2).
The thrilling encounters highlighted the competitive spirit of the Santosh Trophy, as teams fought relentlessly to secure their places in the tournament’s next stages.
