Kochi: Kottayam advanced to the semifinals of the state senior football championship by defeating Kasaragod. The match took place at the Ernakulam Maharaja’s College ground, where the defending champions won 2-1. Kottayam took the lead in the 23rd minute through a goal from Sal Anas. Kasaragod equalized in the 61st minute with a free kick from Krishnaraj. However, Kottayam secured their victory with a goal from captain Nithin Wilson in the 82nd minute.
In a match earlier in the day, Thrissur advanced to the quarterfinals after a one-sided victory over Kollam, winning 1-0. No goals were scored in the first half, but Estefano’s Libin scored the winning goal for Thrissur in the 69th minute. Later this afternoon, Thrissur will face Malappuram at 3:30 PM. Malappuram secured their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Pathanamthitta with a score of 9-0. Another match is scheduled for 7:30 AM between Kozhikode and Idukki today.