Srinagar, May 29: Ashfaq struck four goals as Jammu and Kashmir outclassed minnows Himachal Pradesh (HP) 8-0 in their last league match to enter the pre-quarter finals of the 62nd National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy here today.

HP, Pudducherry and Daman and Diu are now out of the tournament as the hosts finished with an all win record in cluster four. Ashfaq, who was playing his first match in the tournament, drew first blood when he put the ball into the net in the 13th minute with a solo move. The hosts played like a well oiled machine and dominated the first half though HP also got a number of chances to level the score.

Bilal made it two up for Jammu and Kashmir a minute later.

Ashfaq completed his hat-trick soon after when he scored twice in 17th and 35th minute.

Wasim Ferozi made it 5-0 for the home team in the 44th minute.

Despite the humiliation in the first half, HP started well in the second half, but their forwards were thwarted by the Jammu and Kashmir defence.

Skipper Shahnawaz, Tauseef and Ashfaq scored one goal each in the second half to seal the fate of HP who had to be content with the second spot in their pool with just six points from two wins.

In another match at the Kashmir University grounds, Tripura beat Gujrat 5-0. Kiran Chitri scored four goals for Tripura.

UNI