Santosh Trophy: Karnataka enters semifinals

The hero: S. Rajesh, centre, scored the match-winner for Karnataka against Mizoram.   | Photo Credit: Debashish Bhaduri

Banks on Rajesh’s goal to defeat Mizoram in the last Group B match

Karnataka banked on forward S. Rajesh’s 74th-minute goal to beat Mizoram 1-0 and enter the Santosh Trophy semifinals here on Wednesday.

In a last round Group B match at the Mohun Bagan ground, Karnataka toiled hard to find the winner and reach the last four as the group topper.

Both Karnataka and Mizoram garnered nine points apiece, but the former took the number one spot on the basis of the head-to-head result between the two sides.

In the semifinals, Karnataka will play Group A’s second-placed side Bengal, while Mizoram will take on leader Kerala on Friday.

In the other Group B engagement at the Sailen Manna Stadium, Howrah, Goa defeated Punjab 4-1 to deny the northern side a spot in the semis.

With Mizoram coach Lalsangzuala Hmar making nine changes to try out some reserves, the situation favoured Karnataka, which desperately needed a win to stay in contention.

Karnataka showed good coordination to begin aggressively and maintained the tempo in the hot and humid weather.

With captain Vignesh Gunashekar donning the role of a supplier, Liton Shil, Leon Augustine and Rajesh frequently bothered the Mizoram defence.

Karnataka was unlucky that Mizoram goalkeeper Lalhmingliana managed to save a few shots despite his slippery hands.

In the 25th minute, Rajesh’s spectacular move, in which he took the ball on the left and dribbled through to the centre before launching a solid drive, was blocked by the Mizoram goalie. The rebound headed by Augustine missed the mark closely.

The team’s frustration mounted due to several instances of its strikers hitting the ball wide or over the target.

Mizoram had its share of narrow misses too. The closest came in the 52nd minute when M.C. Malsawmzuala attempt was brilliantly headed away by an alert Shahbaz Khan on the goal line.

Within seconds, Shil’s shot hit the Mizoram crossbar amid anxiety in the stands.

Karnataka’s continued effort finally brought success for the side. Rajesh, who could not convert an open chance in the 72nd minute, slotted in a loose ball and celebrated.

Karnataka defended its lone goal to advance to the semifinals.

The results: Karnataka 1 (S. Rajesh 74) bt Mizoram 0; Goa 4 (Mackroy Peixoto 25-pen, Victorino Fernandes 28, Nestor Dias 59, Shubert Pereira 67) bt Punjab 1 (Gurtej Singh 90+4).