Santosh Trophy: Kerala drub Andhra in opener

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.

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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