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Santosh Trophy 2018: Karnataka off to solid start against Goa, Mizoram rout Odisha

Santosh Trophy 2018: Karnataka rallied from being a goal down to defeat Goa 4-1 in Kolkata. Mizoram hit five past Odisha for their second win.

By Aravind
Leon Augustine (left) of Karnataka attempts to dribble past a Goan player during their Santosh Trophy 2018 match in Kolkata on Thursday (Image: AIFF Media)

Kolkata, March 22: Mizoram walloped Odisha 5-0 for their second successive win, while Karnataka began their campaign with a spirited 4-1 victory over Goa in the Senior National Football Championship for the 72nd Santosh Trophy here on Thursday (March 22).

Karnataka began the game in attacking mode and created the first chance in the 6th minute. Rajesh did well to cut in past a couple of defenders from the left but his powerful drive sailed inches over the horizontal.

Around the 15th minute, Karnataka had another chance through striker Liton Shil but a slight delay allowed enough time to Goa defender Jessel Carneiro to clear the ball.

While Karnataka pressed high up, Goa managed to take the lead against the run of the play. Kapil capitalised on a defensive error to beat Karnataka custodian Shainkhan CP from Joachim Abranches' low cross in the 26th minute.

The goal appeared to be the wakeup call for Karnataka, as they began attacking with intensity through Vignesh and Rajesh but some desperate defending by Goa saw the first half ended 1-0.

The second half started with Karnataka having greater possession and looked more threatening going forward, thanks to crisp passing, good off-the-ball movement and dazzling individual skills. Karnataka found the equalizer through skipper Vignesh G, who slotted from Sukesh Leon's pass in the 54th minute.

The goal inspired Karnataka to get even more offensive in their approach and they took the lead in the 61stminute when Rajesh found the back of the net from Liton's pass, which was complimented by some lazy defending by Goa.

Goa though created some chances but failed to equalize, as they failed to stick to their passing game policy. The players seemed to be more keen on playing direct football sending long balls from the centre-line.

Karnataka's third goal came in form of own goal in the 69th minute when experienced Mathew Gonsalves slotted in his own net while trying to clear Sukesh's cross.

Thereafter, Goa went all out to grab some late goals but all their efforts were undone by an 89th minute strike from young Leon Augustine. The Bengaluru FC reserves winger got the ball from midfield and ran past a couple of defenders to slot a brilliant volley home.

Karnataka will face Odisha next on March 24 at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium while Goa will face the same opponents on March 26 at Mohun Began Ground.

For Mizoram, Lal Romawia struck a brace (41st, 59th) to take his tally to four goals from four matches, while Mizoram also scored through Lalbiakhlua (37th), Malsawmdawng (73rd) and F Lalrinpuia (90+1st) to seal the rout at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium.

Mizoram, who defeated Goa 3-1 in their opening encounter, thus made it two out of two, to top the group A table as Odisha suffered a second successive defeat.

Match results:

Mizoram 5 (Lalbiakhlua 37, Lal Romawia 41, 59, Malsawmdawng 73, F Lalrinpuia 91) bt Odisha 0

Karnataka 4 (Vignesh G 54, Rajesh 61, Mathew Gonsalves 69 og, Leon Augustine 89) bt Goa 1 (Kapil Hoble 27)

(With PTI inputs)

Story first published: Thursday, March 22, 2018, 21:13 [IST]
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