The Hindu : Sport / Football : Punjab powers past Kerala

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Tuesday, May 23, 2006

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Sport - Football

Punjab powers past Kerala

Sports Reporter

MOVING FORWARD: Punjab's Amandeep Singh gets past Kerala defenders Sajan and Sajesh with a stinging shot. — Photo: Sushanta Patronobish

JAMALPUR: Punjab scored thrice without reply to end Kerala's hopes in the first semifinal of the 14th edition of the National under-21 football tournament, for the Manindra Dutta Roy Trophy, at the Jamalpur Sports Association Stadium here on Monday.

The scoreline does not reflect the true nature of the contest, as Kerala put up a stiff opposition but paid the price for missing too many chances. The South Zone champion prised open the opposition defence repeatedly but messed up at the goalmouth.

Error-prone

Punjab moved ahead in the 21st minute when striker Amandeep Singh made the most of an off-side trap set by the Kerala defence. Amandeep was set up by his colleague upfront, Asim Hussain, who brilliantly brought down a midfield provision inside the Kerala box and reached the ball to the former with a short pass.

The Kerala defenders helped Punjab's cause by moving up in an unsuccessful effort to catch Amandeep. The Kerala defence made a lot of errors and lacked the sharpness it displayed during the 6-0 win against Mizoram.

After Amandeep's goal, Kerala coach P.K. Rajeev pulled out struggling stopper-back Suneer and tried to bolster the attack by inducting midfielder Oscar Yesudas.

Kerala picked up momentum after the break, as a short spell of rain turned the pitch to its liking. With Arun and Kalesh working hard in the creative zone, the Kerala attacks doubled. The Punjab defence was breached on at least five occasions, but the Kerala forwards Kanna and Firoz failed to finish.

Quick goals

The elusive equaliser appeared to frustrate the Kerala players and this helped Punjab double its lead in the 85th minute with striker Hussain finding the target. Substitute Rohit made it 3-0 in injury time.

Punjab, which had won at the same venue in 2004, will meet the winner of the second semifinal between defending champion Bengal and host Bihar to be played on Tuesday. The final will come off on Thursday.

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