Kerala on Friday beat Punjab 2-1 in their last group match and secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2022 Santosh Trophy at Payyanad Stadium, Malappuram. They finished with 10 points from 4 matches. The semi-final match will be played on 28-29 April.
It was Captain of the team Jijo Joseph who scored double goals which eased Kerala to reach the semi-finals as the group leaders.
86’ GOOOAAALLLL!!
Jijo Joseph scores again and gives the host Kerala the much-needed lead into the game!
PUN 1️⃣-2️⃣ KER
📺 https://t.co/UI1EsMxOkS
✍️ https://t.co/z8j8CV4sr5#PUNKER ⚔️ #HeroSantoshTrophy 🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/4H1QnHQDJd
— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) April 22, 2022
In the 12th minute of the game, Punjab got its first goal from Manveer Singh. Kerala made a comeback and equalized in the 17th minute, with an excellent header by captain Jijo Joseph.
Kerala started the second half with an intensified attack. Both teams opened up their opponent’s defence but failed to shake the net. Defender Muhammed Saheef’s effort from 30-yard-out almost went into the net. The deadlock was finally broken in the 86th minute through captain Jijo Joseph. His second goal of the game.
FULL-TIME!
And that's the end of the game tonight. It's Kerala who walks away with all the 3️⃣ points against Punjab today 🙌🏼
PUN 1️⃣-2️⃣ KER
📺 https://t.co/UI1EsMxOkS
✍️ https://t.co/z8j8CV4sr5#PUNKER ⚔️ #HeroSantoshTrophy 🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/DBEAaQkNvI
— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) April 22, 2022
