Kerala picked up a snug win by downing Assam 3-1 in its opening Group A league match of the 77th National Football Championship for Santosh trophy on the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

Kerala established a lone purpose lead within the opening half because of Abdu Raheem’s effort within the nineteenth minute. Sajeesh E. discovered the goal within the 67th minute to assist Kerala double its lead earlier than Dipu Mirdha decreased the margin scoring the one purpose for Assam within the 77th minute. Kerala latched on to the slender lead until the injury-time when Nijo Gilbert discovered the third purpose for Kerala and ensured the complete quota of factors for the seven-time champion.

In one other match, Services discovered the winner late within the injury-time off Shafeel P.P. to beat final yr’s runner-up Meghalaya 1-0.

The outcomes: Services 1 (Shafeel P.P. 90+5) bt Meghalaya 0. Kerala 3 (Abdu Raheem Okay. 19, Sajeesh E. 67, Nijo Gilbert 90+5) bt Assam 1 (Dipu Mirdha 77).