Kozhikode: Hosts Kerala began their campaign in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship South Zone qualifiers with a thumping 5-0 win over Andhra here on Tuesday.

Defender Vibin Thomas drew first blood for Kerala with a header in the 44th minute. Leon Augustine doubled the lead at the stroke of half-time by converting a penalty after he was brought down inside the box.

Substitute Emil Benny netted in the 53rd and 63rd to consolidate Bino George coached-side's position. Substitute N Shihad completed the tally in injury time as the six-time former champions picked up three points from their opening encounter in Group A.

Santosh Trophy: Kerala drub Andhra in opener
Kerala team celebrates after scoring the second goal. Photo: Vidhuraj M T

Kerala meet Tamil Nadu in their final group match on Saturday.

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Karnataka, Telengana and Puducherry form Group B.

The group toppers will qualify for the main round to be held in Mizoram early next year.

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