Jijo’s brace helps Kerala edge Punjab to qualify for the semifinals: Hero Santosh Trophy 2021-22

Jijo’s brace helps Kerala edge Punjab to qualify for the semifinals – Hero Santosh Trophy 2021-22: Santosh Trophy 2021-22 lives up to his expectations as hos Kerala edge Punjab in a see-saw battle at the Manjeri Payyanad Football Stadium. Jijo Joseph scored in either half to help Kerala qualify for the semifinals of the competition. The final scoreline reads Punjab 1-2 Kerala.

Kerala started the game with purpose in the opening few minutes. However, Punjab went to lead through Manvir Singh riding through the danger. A defensive mishap helped Punjab to have the lead. Five minutes later, Jijo Joseph’s powerful header found the back of the net following an inch-perfect cross by Arjun Jayaraj. It ended 1-1 at the break.

In the second half, both teams launched attacks against each other but couldn’t able to finish it off. The coach made a substitution of Noufal who changed the game. The winger created problems repeatedly to shake the defense of Punjab. The goalkeeper, Harpreet Singh of Punjab made a few interventions but the quality of Kerala was too hard to stop in the closing minutes. In the 86th minute, a beautiful cross down the left found Jjio directly and he was one on one against Harpreet. The no. 7 finished calmly to give the important lead to his team. Finally, it was enough to collect all three points as they became the first side to qualify for this edition’s Santosh Trophy. They have played four games and earned 10 m]points getting three wins and one draw against Meghalaya.

Kerala await the runners-up of Group B to face them in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the ever-present fans of Kerala made it easier for their team to have a comfortable campaign so far. They will surely be one of the favorites if not the favorite to win this edition. So, this is all about the game. Meanwhile, you can follow Grind India for more updates.