Muthoot shock KSEB as captain Ajay scores winner in KPL semifinal

Captain Ajay Krishnan scored the solitary goal as Muthoot FA edged KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board) to enter the final of the Kerala Premier League at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Wednesday.

The midfielder scored in the 71st minute to help Muthoot reach their maiden KPL final.

Muhammed Ashar played a tempting cross into the box, which Arjun N M chested down before releasing fellow-substitute Muhammed Nisham on the right. Nisham wasted no time and played a low cross across the face of goal, which a sliding Ajay turned in.

As two-time losing finalists Kerala Police and Wayanad United are set to play in the second semifinal on Thursday, the KPL is certain to have a new champion this season.

Two-time champions KSEB had entered the semifinal with a near-perfect record, losing just once in the league phase. The Powermen had edged Muthoot 1-0 in a league match in early February.