BENGAL, KERALA TO BATTLE FOR SANTOSH TITLE

Kolkata, March 30: Defending champions Bengal and Kerala entered the final of the 72nd Santosh Trophy here on Friday.

Bengal, who are vying for a record 33rd title, were helped by secondhalf goals from captain Jiten Murmu and Tirthankar Sarkar to beat Karnataka 2- 0 at Howrah.

Five- time champions Kerala rode on a 54th minute strike by Addams V. K. to oust Mizoram 1- 0 in the second semi- final at the Mohun Bagan ground.

The final is at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.

Bengal and Kerala last met in the final in 1993- 94 in Cuttack, with the former winning 5- 3 on penalties after being locked 2- 2 in regulation time. Bengal started as the better side but Karnataka gradually took control. Bengal striking duo Jiten Murmu and Bidyashagar Singh duo didn’t have much of an impact in the first 45 minutes.

Karnataka’s Sukesh Leon hit the post with a header in the 17th minute and Bengal goalkeeper Ranajit Majumder came up with several saves to keep the scoreline blank at half time.

Kerala, who last won the title in 2004- 05 defeating Punjab, are in their first final since 2012- 13 when they lost to Services.

Kerala’s only bright chance in the first half fell to Rahul K. P. whose volley missed the target.

Mizoram dominated proceedings after both sides started off cautiously, but they lacked finishing to stamp their authority.