KOCHI: Kerala continued their excellent run in the qualifiers of the 76th Santosh Trophy National Football Championship defeating Jammu and Kashmir 3-0 in the penultimate group match at EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode on Thursday. After a goalless first half, Kerala pumped in three goals in the second to seal the win. Viknesh M (51), Rizwanb Ali (76) and Nijo Gilbert (90+3rd) found the target for the defending champions.
With this win, Kerala are back on top in the group with 12 points and a massive +19 goal difference. Mizoram also on 12 points but are in second place as their goal difference is only +13. The final match in the group on Sunday between Kerala and Mizoram eventually becomes a knockout. Mizoram need to defeat Kerala to qualify while the hosts need only a draw to advance to the main stage of the tournament.