Saurit Chatterjee, Kolkata
In the high-stakes theater of the Santosh Trophy semi finals, there is often a fine line between a hard fought victory and a total systemic collapse. Yesterday, Kerala didn’t just cross that line they erased it. Their 4-0 demolition of Punjab was a sobering reminder of the gulf in technical execution that currently exists between the southern giants and the rest of the field.
16th Minute: Muhammed Ajsal rose highest to meet a pinpoint chip from Arjun V, thumping a header into the net.
34th Minute: Muhammed Riyas doubled the advantage, pouncing on a low corner finish.
45th Minute: Just at the end of first half Viknesh M curled a beauty into the far post.
83rd Minute: Muhammed Riyas completed his brace and the rout, capitalizing on a defensive giveaway to slot home Kerala’s fourth.
Kerala will face Services who is the fourth most successful team in the tournament with 7 titles.
