HYDERABAD, Dec 30: Kerala outclassed Manipur 5-1 in the semi-final of the Santosh Trophy at the Gachibowli Stadium on Sunday, December 29, 2024, securing a spot in the final for the 16th time in the competition’s history. A stunning hat trick by Muhammad Roshal PP sealed the victory, which will now see Kerala face their old rivals, West Bengal, in the final.
The match began with a high-octane first half that saw Kerala take control early on. In the 22nd minute, Kerala’s midfield brilliance paid off as Muhammed Riyas played a through ball into the path of forward Muhammed Ajsal. Ajsal let the ball go through to Naseeb Rahman, who made a perfect run into the box, rounded the goalkeeper, and finished clinically from 25 yards to give Kerala a deserved lead.
Despite the early setback, Manipur responded quickly. In the 30th minute, Kerala’s Nijo Gilbert handled the ball inside his own box from a long throw-in, giving Manipur a penalty. Shunjantan Ragui made no mistake, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to equalize for Manipur.
As the half progressed, the momentum shifted several times. A scramble in the Kerala box in the 40th minute resulted in a dangerous situation, but the defense managed to clear it. However, Kerala struck again in first-half injury time, with a swift counterattack. Muhammed Riyas, who had been influential all half, made a brilliant run down the left wing, cutting inside to provide a low cross. Ajsal, showing exceptional composure, backheeled the ball into the net, giving Kerala a 2-1 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Manipur came out strong, pressing for the equalizer, but Kerala’s defense held firm. The game was effectively put to bed in the 73rd minute, when substitute Muhammed Roshal PP made an instant impact. After stealing the ball from Manipur midfield, Roshal ran 40 yards before unleashing a thunderous strike from outside the box that curled into the bottom corner, putting Kerala 3-1 up.
Manipur’s defense, reeling from the third goal, faltered further in the final stages. Roshal added two more goals in quick succession, including a penalty in injury time, completing his hat trick and ensuring Kerala’s comprehensive 5-1 victory.
However, Kerala’s win was slightly marred by a late setback as defender Manoj M was shown a second yellow card and sent off, reducing Kerala to 10 men for the final minutes.
Earlier in the day, West Bengal defeated defending champions Services 4-2 to secure their place in the final for the 47th time, setting up an exciting showdown with Kerala for the prestigious Santosh Trophy.
