Kerala crashes out, Punjab and Karnataka enter semifinals

A midfield tussle between Kerala’s Abdu Raheem (proper, white jersey) and Punjab’s Parmit Singh within the Santosh Trophy National soccer championship in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Photo: AIFF
| Photo Credit: AIFF

Kerala defender Mohamed Salim (proper, white jersey) tries to thwart Punjab ahead Kamaldeep within the Santosh Trophy National soccer championship in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Photo: AIFF
| Photo Credit:
AIFF

Defending champion Kerala crashed out of the 76 ^th Santosh Trophy National soccer championship after a 1-1 draw with Punjab in Bhubaneswar on Sunday which noticed it end third in Group ‘A’ with eight poinits.

Punjab, the Group ‘A’ topper with 11 factors, and second positioned Karnataka (9 factors) certified for the semifinals which might be held in Riyadh within the first week of March. Services had made the grade from Group ‘B’ on Saturday and the final berth might be confirmed on Monday after the ultimate set of matches from the group.

Karnataka drew with host Odisha 2-2 whereas Maharashtra bt Goa 2-0 in different matches in Group A.

The outcomes (Group A): Kerala 1 (Vishak Mohanan 24) drew with Punjab 1 (Rohit Sheikh 34)

Karnataka 2 (M. Sunil Kumar 17, Shajan Franklin 50) drew with Odisha 2 (Prabin Tigga 21, , Chandra Muduli 35).

Maharashtra 2 (Himanshu Patil 5 & 89) bt Goa 0.

Group A (closing placings): 1. Punjab (11 pts), 2. Karnataka (9), 3. Kerala (8), 4. Maharashtra (6), 5. Odisha (5), 6. Goa (0).