Punjab crushes Kerala 5-0 to enter semi-finals of Santosh trophy

Srinagar, Jun 9 (UNI) Balraj Singh struck a hat-trick as defending champion Punjab entered the semi-finals of the 62nd National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy crushing Kerala 5-0 in their last quarter-final league match at Bakshi stadium here today.

In the first half, both the teams played a controlled game as they failed to score despite making some good moves.

After a goalless breather, Punjab team dominated the proceedings in the second half and launched goal after goal.

Sakartar Singh of Punjab, drew the first blood scoring a brilliant goal in the 10th minute of the second half.

Baljit Sahni made it 2-0 in the 15th minute of the second half.

However, a hat-trick by Balraj Singh took extended the lead to 5-0, after scoring three field goals beating the rival defenders.

UNI FMH RAR KN1946