Santosh Trophy: Delhi and Odisha Secure Quarter-Final Spots
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Hyderabad, Dec 25 (NationPress) Odisha and Delhi clinched the final two quarter-final spots in the 78th Senior Men’s National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2024-25 at the Deccan Arena on Tuesday.
The previous season's runners-up, Goa and Tamil Nadu, faced elimination.
In a match between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Nijo Gilbert, who previously assisted every goal in Kerala's last game against Delhi, emerged again as the hero for his team. On Tuesday, his strike in the 89th minute secured a crucial point for Kerala, keeping their unbeaten streak alive and knocking Tamil Nadu out of the tournament without a single win.
Tamil Nadu began with impressive fervor, aggressively pushing forward. This high-octane approach bore fruit in the 25th minute when Alexander Romario Jesuraj fired a powerful shot into the top corner, giving Tamil Nadu a deserved lead.
Despite trailing, Kerala maintained their composure and gradually regained control of the match. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when a well-placed cross from the left found Gilbert in the penalty area. With remarkable poise, he redirected the ball into the top corner with a first-time half-volley.
After a tense wait, Odisha learned their fate following a goalless draw against Meghalaya. Luckily, the draw was sufficient for them to secure a quarter-final spot after both Goa and Tamil Nadu failed to claim victory in their respective matches.
Meghalaya, having already qualified for the quarter-finals, adopted a cautious strategy, while Odisha also played conservatively at the start. Both teams' defenses played a pivotal role in neutralizing offensive threats, resulting in limited opportunities for forwards.
Roshan Panna of Odisha attempted to energize the match with several valiant efforts to break the deadlock. However, despite his attempts to spark the attack, Odisha's finishing touch was lacking throughout the game, with promising moves often thwarted by Meghalaya's disciplined defense.
Delhi defended bravely against Goa to secure a goalless draw. The capital side was reduced to ten men after captain Milind Negi received a red card for a rough tackle late in the match. Goa, seeking to exploit their numerical advantage, launched numerous attacks but found Delhi's defense unyielding. Goalkeeper Vansh Kaushal was exceptional, making several crucial saves to thwart Goa's attackers. Frustration mounted for Goa, last season's runners-up to Services, as their forwards struggled to find their rhythm, and their build-up play lacked the precision needed to challenge Delhi's solid defense.
Kerala, the champions from 2021-22, will face Jammu & Kashmir in the quarter-finals on December 27. Tamil Nadu ended up at the bottom of Group B with three points. Odisha's draw with Meghalaya allowed them to qualify as the fourth-placed team from their group with five points, as both Tamil Nadu and Goa failed to secure wins. Odisha will clash with Group A leaders West Bengal in the first quarter-final on December 26.
Meghalaya finished second in their group with eight points and will take on defending champions Services on December 27. Goa managed only fifth place with five points after their goalless draw with Delhi, while Delhi qualified in third place with seven points and will meet Manipur on December 26.
