Bhubaneswar: Karnataka pulled off a shock 1-0 win over holders Kerala in a Group A match of the Santosh Trophy final round here on Sunday.
Abhishek Powar netted the all-important goal in the 20th minute.
The win was special for Karnataka who were outplayed 7-3 by Kerala in the semifinals of the last edition, with T K Jesin scoring five goals.
Karnataka, consisting primarily of Bengaluru FC reserve team, have four points from two matches. They had drawn 2-2 with Punjab in their opening match.
Kerala, who edged out Goa 3-2 in their first match, have three points.
Kerala next play Maharashtra on Tuesday.
They also have games left against Odisha (Friday) and Punjab (next Sunday).
Group B features Delhi, Meghalaya, Railways, Services, West Bengal and Manipur.
The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals.
The semifinals and final will be held in Saudi Arabia.
