Imphal: Defending champions Kerala and Services entered the semi-finals of the 58th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy, winning their respective quarter- final encounters at the Khumen Lampak Stadium on Tuesday.

While Kerala prevailed over a spirited Assam 3-1, thus pipping strong contenders Bengal to the second spot from Group ‘A’, Services won 2-0 against Railways and qualified for semi-final by better goal average at the cost of Maharashtra from Group ‘B’.

The young Assam side forged ahead in the 37th minute when Saran Sonar gave a brilliant pass to the fast moving Sanjiba Rongpi who netted in from close range.

The goal was a result of defensive lapse from Vinu Jose who was also guilty of several other blunders in the box during the match. The defending champions picked up the momentum in the second half and maintained constant pressure on the rival citadel.

PTI