Services edge past Karnataka

Bengaluru: Karnataka players cut a distraught picture after their 1-2 loss to Services in the Santosh Trophy at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday. The result could eventually decide the fate of Group H, with both teams having one match in hand. Karnataka, who lie second, face Goa, while table-toppers Services meet Lakshadweep on Wednesday. The group topper advances to the next stage of the competition.There was no shortage of drama in the hard-fought, physical contest, with referee Jarvish Macwan flashing nine yellow cards and one red. Karnataka also had a second-half equaliser ruled out.
Karnataka forward Godwin Johnson had a good chance to give his side an early lead, but goalkeeper Gagandeep Singh latched on to the ball. Services, however, took the lead in the eighth minute when Khullakpam Zahir Khan slotted home from the spot after a handball decision.Services used the width of the pitch to good effect, fizzing balls into the danger area. It paid dividends in the 15th minute when midfielder Shubham Rana floated an inviting cross that Khan headed home to score his second goal. Karnataka created a few half-chances but failed to make them count in the first half. With Karnataka pushing forward after the break, spaces opened up at the back, offering opportunities to Services as well. However, it was the home side that struck in the 68th minute, with Macarton Louis Nickson scoring a stunning long-range effort after receiving the ball from midfielder Dhanush R.The goal injected new energy into the Karnataka players, who went all out in search of an equaliser. A couple of minutes before regulation time, Karnataka found the back of the net when substitute Manglenthang Singsit scored in a goalmouth scramble. He ran towards the team bench in celebration, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul.The closing minutes were physical, and Services' Chanambam Singh was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Services held on to secure full points.Earlier in the day, Goa and Lakshadweep played out a 1-1 draw. Selwyn Miranda scored for Goa before Sabir Pandaram equalised to share the spoils.Results: Lakshadweep 1 (Sabir Pandaram 65) drew with Goa 1 (Selwyn Miranda 45+1); Services 2 (Khullakpam Zahir Khan 8-pen, 15) bt Karnataka 1 (Macarton Louis Nikson 68).

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