Kozhikode:Defending Champions Kerala thrashed Andhra Pradesh by 5-0 and Mizoram beat Bihar by 3-1 and registered their third consecutive victory in the preliminary stage (Group-2) matches of the 76th Santosh Trophy football championship played at EMS Corporation stadium here on Sunday.
Hosts Kerala took the lead in the 16th minute through Nijo Gilbert and later Muhammed Saleem found their second goal in the 19th minute. In the injury time of the first half Abdul Raheem scored the third goal for the winners.
In a one-sided match, Vishak M scored the fourth goal in the 53rd minute and Captain M Viknesh finished the score list by hitting a goal in the 62 minute.
Kerala changed their captaincy from Goal Keeper Midhun V to M Viknesh in this match.
Meanwhile, in the first match of the day, Mizoram defeated Bihar by 3-1. Vanlalhriatzula opened the scoreboard for Mizoram in the 2nd minute but in a counter attack Bihar found the equalizer in the 33rd minute through Mandi M.
In the second half, Mizoram’s Lalbiakdika scored brace goals in the 59th and 90th minute to help them win the third consecutive match.
Kerala is leading with 9 points, followed by Mizoram 9 points while Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan secured 3 points each. Bihar and Andhra did not open their account so far.
Jammu and Kashmir will take on Rajasthan at Kozhikode EMS Corporation stadium tomorrow.
