Chennai: Kerala were 3-1 victors over Andhra Pradesh in the Santosh Trophy South Zone qualifiers here on Tuesday. But Andhra Pradesh became the darling of the fans at the Nehru Stadium for their tireless running and fighting spirit. Earlier in a match that never resembled a contest, Karnataka slaughtered the Andaman & Nicobar 12-0.
Kerala had to expend their last ounce of energy for their first win in the five-team tournament. After losing to Tamil Nadu in their opener on Sunday, Kerala were desperate for a win. But any thoughts of a stroll in the park vanished in the humid air of Chennai, as Andhra Pradesh dished out a performance full of heart.
Andhra Pradesh, where football has been in doldrums for many years owing to infighting in the state association, gave their all. They nearly claimed the lead from a set-piece early on. A Kerala player headed an AP free-kick from the right towards his own goal only for Sajith T. to make a last-ditch save. AP centre-back P. Tatam Naidu, who was impressive throughout the evening in whatever he did, soon caused mayhem with his long throw-in into the box.
Kerala somehow came out unscathed from a brief spell of nervousness to take the lead in the 33rd minute. Right-winger Gipson Justus fired in a superb cross for Usman P to tap the ball in off the near post. The relief in the Kerala camp was obvious because it was their first goal in two matches.
R. Kannan doubled the lead right early in the second half after being set up by Usman. But the setback didn’t deter the AP warriors who hit back with the best goal of the tournament so far. Syed Khaleel met Tatam’s missile-like throw-in majestically at the far post to reduce the arrears. The Kerala goalkeeper stayed rooted to his place because the header was perfect in all aspects.
AP goalkeeper R. Raji Naidu brought the roof down with a fabulous save to deny Kannan. Naidu instinctively dived to his left to palm away a bullet header from the Kerala forward.
The spectacular resistance of AP inspired Kerala to step on the accelerator and they got their reward when Usman’s second made it 3-1.
