The Hindu : Sport / Football : Kerala rallies to hold Madras

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Monday, Oct 16, 2006
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Kerala rallies to hold Madras

CHENNAI: Host Madras spurned a winning chance to end up 3-3 with Kerala in the semifinal league of the South Zone inter-University football tournament at the University Union ground here on Sunday.

Striker James Selvakumar would have been the hero for Madras with a hat-trick, but in the end his effort only saved the blushes for the host which led 2-0 till well into the second session before losing the advantage.

Kerala showed fighting qualities, particularly in the second session, and scored two goals in quick time through Sharath and Riyad to restore parity. In the 83rd minute, the visiting team even went 3-2 up through Sharath's neat grounder.

However, a flag kick from Shaiju came in handy for James to complete his hat-trick with a minute or two to go for the final whistle and helped Madras split points.

It was a day of draws with Madras earlier being held goalless by Annamalai and Annamalai and Calicut registering another goalless tie. Calicut and Kerala also played out a 1-1 draw. Prasoon scored for Calicut and Irshad for Kerala.

With all four teams tied on points, the final day's programme on Monday could throw up an interesting finish. — Special Correspondent

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