MALAPPURAM: Two-time champions Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, were knocked out of TNIE GOAL 2017 by Christ College, Irinjalakuda, who recorded a decisive 3-1 victory over their opponents in the quarter-final held at Malappuram District Sports Council Stadium on Wednesday.
The game saw end-to-end action, with Christ College making most out of the chances that came their way. Goals from Antony Paulose, Harshad and Shabir helped them reach the semifinal of the 2017 championship.
Kerala Varma had the first opportunity, when Surjith V Ramesh attempted a 20-yard free-kick only for it to be saved by Christ keeper Jithu T R. Christ replied soon, scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute.
Midfielder Muhammed Parakkotil played Libin Yohannan down the right channel who crossed for Antony to control and finish past the keeper to make it 1-0.
Searching for an equaliser, Kerala Varma’s Arjun K found Harikrishnan A U, who headed straight at the keeper in the 23rd minute before the same players combined the very next minute forcing keeper Shiyas to intercept the through pass.
Christ managed to preserve their lead until halftime. However Kerala Varma came back into the game when their rival goalkeeper Jithu came out to collect a cross but was bettered by Babel who lurked inside the area and capitalised, levelling the scores.
Babel’s attempt to doubled the lead ended with him directing his header over the goal. Christ took the lead after Harshad, who lobbed the keeper in the 83rd minute.