Kerala fought back from a goal deficit to beat Karnataka 3-2 and book a berth in the final round of the Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy here today.
Tamil Nadu, who thrashed Andhra Pradesh 4-0 today, also qualified, along with Kerala, from the South Zone after the end of the qualifying round matches here.
The final round will be held in Siliguri.
Karnataka led 2-1 at half time but Kerala came back in the second session to snatch a win. Striker Usman turned the tide in Kerala's favour with a superb display as he not only scored the equaliser but was also instrumental in Shibin netting the winner.
The second half witnessed ugly scenes with the players often displaying aggressive tactics. In one such incident, Karnataka goalkeeper Thomas and Kerala's Kannan were injured.
The other match turned to be an one-sided affair with Tamil Nadu dictating terms on Andhra Pradesh. Winger Ameerudeen struck three goals while captain Sudhakar netted the other goal.
