In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Kerala thrashed Lakshadweep 10-0 in the 78th Santosh Trophy National Football Championship at EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode, on Friday. Substitute Sajeesh E played a pivotal role, scoring a hat-trick after entering the game in the 32nd minute. He netted goals in the 37th, 78th, and 89th minutes to seal the victory.
The match started with Kerala asserting control early on, with Muhammad Ajsal and Naseeb Rahman finding the back of the net in the 6th and 9th minutes. Ajsal added another goal in the 20th minute before being replaced by Sajeesh. By halftime, Kerala was comfortably leading 4-0. The second half saw more goals from Arjun V (46th), Gani Ahmmed Nigam (55th, 81st), and Muhammed Musharaf (57th), bringing the total to 10 goals.
In the day’s opening match, Railways triumphed over Pondicherry 10-1, with Sufiyan Shaikh (3 goals) and Mohammed Fardan Ali Molla (2 goals) leading the charge. Pondicherry’s lone goal came courtesy of Beskin Golson in the 80th minute.
With 6 points from two matches, Kerala is in a strong position to qualify for the final round. A draw in their final group match against Pondicherry would secure their spot, although Pondicherry could advance with a win based on the head-to-head result.
This victory underscores Kerala’s formidable attack and their strong chances of progressing in the Santosh Trophy.
