Kerala qualify for Santosh Trophy final round

Kochi: Hosts Kerala made it to the Santosh Trophy final round with a 4-1 win over Puducherry in the South Zone B qualifiers here on Sunday.

Kerala, who only needed a draw to seal their spot in next month's final round, finished with an all-win record.

Nijo Gilbert converted a penalty to open the scoring for Kerala in the 21st minute. Arjun Jayaraj doubled the lead three minutes later.

Anson C Anto scored Puducherry's lone goal in the 39th minute.

Kerala led 2-1 at the half-time break.

Noufal P N (55') and Bujair (57') consolidated their position in the second half Kerala as notched up their third win on the trot.

Puducherry, who needed a win to progress to the finals, ended second with four points.

Lakshadweep, who beat Andaman and Nicobar 5-1 in the first match of the day, finished third with four points. Though both Puducherry and Lakshadweep ended up with four points, the former had a better goal difference.

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