Santosh Trophy: Mizoram Advances To The Semifinals After Defeating Kerala In Sudden Death

Assam's Tupu and Manipur's Phijam compete for possession. | Image Credit: X@IndianFootball In the 77th National Football Championship quarterfinal play for the Santosh Trophy, Mizoram defeated Kerala 7-6 in sudden death on Tuesday at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in this city. Both clubs were unable to score in either normal or extra time. Even in the tie-breaker, where the teams were deadlocked 5-5, Sujith V.R. could not have the courage to take a wide shot that would have sent Mizoram to the round of eight. While Kerala witnessed failure in their endeavours, Mizoram had success from M.C. Malsawmzuala, Malsawmfela, F.C. Lalhmunmawia, E. Lalremtluanga, L. Tochhawng, Lalremruata, and Lalbiakthanga. Mohamed Salim, Riswanali Edakkavil, Sanju G, Arjun V, and Before Sujith's error, Sarath Prasanth K and Jithin Gopalakrishnan scored.

Box-to-box combat occurred during the match, with several openings created by Kerala and Mizoram. However, both teams' strong goalkeeping and their attackers' lack of confidence in their goalkeeping left the score tied.   Earlier in the day, Manipur, the past champions, defeated Assam 7-1 in the third quarterfinal encounter with a strong exhibition of aggressive football.  Sadananda Singh mainly contributed to Manipur's enormous victory with three goals. While Ngangbam Pacha Singh (penalty), Maibam Deny Singh, Imarson Meitei, and Phijam Sanathoi Meetei each scored one goal to secure the victory. For Assam, Joydeep Gogoi provided the only response. The outcomes: Manipur 7 (Phijam Sanathoi Meetei 4, Wangkheimayum Sadananda Singh) in the quarterfinals 16, 70, Ngangbam, 11, Assam 1 (Joydeep Gogoi 64), Pacha Singh 19-pen, Maibam Deny Singh 82, and Imarson Meitei 88. Kerala 0 and Mizoram 0 drew (Mizoram won 7-6 via sudden death).