Karnataka routed Arunachal Pradesh 8—0 in the Group B match of the 67th Santosh Trophy Championship at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium here on Saturday. Forward V Stephen’s hat-trick, T Amoes’ and S Rajesh’s brace helped the crowd favourites garner three points and end Arunachal’s hopes.
S Rajesh opened the account from his striking partner Stephen’s pass in the 18th minute. Even before Arunachal players had recovered from the first shock, Stephen converted a penalty in the 22nd minute. Seven minutes later, Stephen scored his second from a header off M Lokesh’s corner kick. Karnataka made it 4-0 in the 34th minute, with Rajesh scoring his second goal from a left-footer.
After the break, Amoes, Stephen, Lokesh and Rajesh, attacked the Arunachal territory with purpose. In the 61st minute, Amoes made a clinical finish after being fed by Stephen. Ten minutes later, Lokesh chipped over the goalkeeper to make it 6-0. Amoes capitalised on Arunachal’s defensive lapse to score his second goal in the 75th minute. Stephen completed the rout in the 88th minute.
Bihar prevail
Meanwhile, Bihar registered a 4-1 win against Daman and Diu on Saturday in the second Group B match.