Kozhikode: Defending champions Kerala outplayed Bihar 4-1 to notch up their second successive win in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship here on Thursday.
Kerala, who thrashed Rajasthan 7-0 in their Group II opener, went ahead in the 24th minute through Nijo Gilbert. Nijo doubled the lead four minutes later by converting a penalty for a handball.
The winners led 2-0 at the break.
Though Munna Mandi pulled one back for Bihar in the 70th, Kerala made sure of the victory by scoring two late goals through substitutes. Vishak Mohanan made it 3-1 in the 81st, while Abdu Raheem completed the tally in the 85th.
Mizoram edged out Jammu and Kashmir 3-2 in the first match of the day.
Both Kerala and Mizoram have six points from two matches.
Kerala next play Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.