Bhubaneswar: If they win, they can fly to Saudi Arabia for the semi-finals, even if they lose and draw, they will be kicked out and sent back home… This is the situation for defending champions Kerala, who will enter the fifth and final match of Group A on Sunday. A figuratively speaking win or die situation. Kerala’s opponents today are Punjab, who are at the top of the group with 10 points.
But for Punjab, who have won three games and drawn one in the last four, it is a life and death battle for both the teams as a single defeat is enough to see them out. The Kerala-Punjab match is at 3 pm. At the same time, Karnataka is also facing the hosts Odisha with an eye on a semi berth.
Punjab (10), Karnataka (8) and Kerala (7) are the first three points in the group. Other teams are out. Kerala will get 10 points if they beat Punjab. If both teams get the same point, look at the result of a head-to-head encounter. It means that Kerala can take advantage of the defeat of Punjab.
A draw is enough for Punjab to advance. If Karnataka wins once morest Odisha, berth is guaranteed with 11 points. Even if Karnataka loses, if Kerala does not win today, they will enter the semi-finals along with Punjab. Karnataka will also have the advantage of both teams having the same points as they defeated Kerala earlier. The reigning champions started by beating Goa 2-1 in the first match, then lost to their neighbors (0-1) and drew with Maharashtra (4-4). Kerala defeated Odisha by a single goal in the crucial fourth match to keep their semi hopes alive.
Services near Semi
Bhubaneswar: Services came a step closer to the semi-finals following defeating Manipur by three goals in Santosh Trophy Group B. Soldiers have 10 points with the last match remaining in the group. Railways beat current runners-up Bengal 1-0 and Meghalaya won 5-1 once morest Delhi.
Meghalaya (7), Railways (7) and Manipur (6) in the next three positions behind Services also have semi hopes. Railways, Services, Meghalaya, Bengal, Delhi and Manipur will compete in the finals. Services only need a draw to reach the semis. If Railways wins, both teams will get 10 points each. This will open the door for Railways, but even if Meghalaya wins and gets to 10 points, Soldiers will see the semis. A win once morest Meghalaya will benefit Services. The Meghalaya-Railways match was tied.
