Punjab beat Kartaka to open up Group B

Kolkata, March 26: Punjab stalled Kartaka's surge with a 2-1 victory while Goa stched a lifeline with a 6-1 rout of Odisha in Group B matches of the 72nd edition of the tiol football championship for the Santosh Trophy here on Monday.

Kartaka had won against Goa (4-1) and Odisha (2-1) to come into this game having six points from two games, behind group leaders Mizoram who are on nine points.

Third-placed Punjab, who had lost to Mizoram 1-2 in their last outing, rode on first-half goals from Jitender Singh (18th) and Baltej Singh (26th) to cancel out Rajesh S early strike from the spot in the seventh minute at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium.

Courtesy the result, Punjab now also have six points from three outings while high-flying Mizoram look likely to finish top of the group. Kartaka and Punjab will now fight for the second spot. Punjab will now take on Goa while Kartaka will cross swords with Mizoram on Wednesday.

At the Mohun Bagan ground, India discard Victorino Ferndes racked up a hat-trick (15th, 45+3, 54th) while Mackroy (58th), Shubert Pereira (71st) and Marcus Mascarenhas (86th) also got on the scoresheet for Armando Colaco's team. Sunil Sardar (16th) sneaked in a consolation goal in the middle of the onslaught. Now if Mizoram beat Kartaka and Goa mage to see off Punjab, Goa can qualify. IANS

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