The Hindu : Sport : Kerala runs over a hapless AP

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Tuesday, May 31, 2005

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Kerala runs over a hapless AP

Sports Reporter

— Photo: M. Moorthy

ON TARGET: Kerala's C.J. Rinil is about to score against Andhra Pradesh, watched by Md. Nizamuddin at Tiruchi.

TIRUCHI: Kerala scored a whopping 11-0 win over Andhra Pradesh in the South Zone phase of the National under-21 football championship at St. Joseph's College HSS here on Monday. E.K. Arun and Sirajudheen struck three goals each.

The Kerala team has a fine mixture of forwards and defenders. The attack led by Arun, Rinil and Sajan weaved magic around the AP defence, which looked confused for the most part. Captain Abhilash John manned the role of defender really well, thwarting the raids of AP's forwardline, which were very few and far between, in the bud.

Fifteen minutes into the first session Javeed opened the account. Capitalising on the wonderful work of Rinil who dodged past defenders from the left flank, all Javeed had to do was gently tap the ball home. Arun took over from then on, striking thrice in a matter of five minutes; two field goals and a penalty conversion.

Rinil, who was giving fine support to Arun, took the mantle on himself. From 10 yards, Rinil's right footer left goalkeeper Fahad Dayyanai completely clueless in the 28th minute. Rinil made it 6-0 before the teams left for the break.

Vinod Kumar replaced Dayyani as AP custodian, but that did not stop the rain of goals in the second session. It was Sirajudheen's turn to strike terror. Kumar, running in at full speed, failed to collect the ball giving Sirajudheen ample time to have a go at the goal. A similar error from Vinod again and Sirajudheen did the rest. As the match was nearing to a close, Sirajudheen made it 11-0 combining well with Rinil. Sajeer (76th) and Sabir Ali (85th) had their share in the goal feast. There is no match on Tuesday.

Wednesday's match: Karnataka v AP.

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