AIFF Media Team

LUDHIANA: A rampant Services defeated Kerala 3-0 in the first Semifinal of the ongoing 69^th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy on March 12, 2015.

After a drab period of ninety minutes where both teams entwined in tactical warfare, the game proceeded to two halves of extra time and jumped to life.

In the 96^th minute of the match Skipper Anthony Chhetri produced an exquisite finish as he blasted a 40 yard free kick into the back of the net.

Eleven minutes later, Rakesh Singh doubled Service’s lead as he dribbled past Kerala’s Goalkeeper and scored.

Vivek Kumar, finally put the tied to bed in the 109^th minute, when a flurry of quick interchanges between him and Rakesh Singh saw him onto goal. Kumar, did sheer justice to his opportunity as he blasted home Service’s third Goal.

The Services contingent held on to their three goal lead and thwarted every effort made by Kerala to reduce the deficit. At the end of 120 minutes, the scoreline read 3-0 in favor of Services.

With this win, Services qualify for the Finals of Santosh Trophy, slated to kick off on March 15, 2015.