Kerala face Services in title round

Hosts Kerala will be up against defending champions Services in a mouthwatering summit clash of the 67th Santosh Trophy at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Kerala will bank on the home support to regain the title that they last won in 2004 for the fifth occasion while Services will have a chance to win for the third time.

Kerala coach M M Jacob is of the opinion that massive home support along with the appetite to regain the coveted title after nine long years makes his side the favourites. “It has been ages since we last won the Santosh Trophy. We came very near most of the times but lost our way,” Jacob pointed out.

Kerala lost to Services 1-2 in the last year’s semifinal in Orissa. Both the outfits though are likely to miss the services of their key strikers. Kerala’s R Kannan is doubtful after an ankle injury suffered against Maharashtra, while Farhad of Services is certain to sit out after picking up a knock in the semifinal against Punjab.

Services coach Sajith Kumar feels that the fitness level of his wards gives them the edge over the fancied hosts.

“It is fascinating to see how the boys regrouped in the last quarter of the match against Punjab,” Sajith said. Live on DD Sports (6.30 pm).