Kerala face Railways test in Santosh Trophy opener

KOCHI: Kerala will look to put their struggles behind them and stamp their authority in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship when they begin their group campaign at home in Kozhikode on Wednesday.With a dozen newcomers in their roster, Kerala are banking on them to deliver and lay their hands on a trophy they last lifted three years ago in Kolkata.They face Railways in their opening fixture at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode, on Wednesday.The group also includes Puducherry and Lakshadweep. However, only the top team from each group will progress to the championship's final round.Despite being billed as group favourites, coach Biby Thomas, who previously coached the Indian U-16 women’s team, doesn’t want to look too far ahead. “As of now, our first target is to beat Railways. We will be taking one step at a time,” said Biby.The hosts’ defence seems to be their biggest strength, led by captain Sanju G and supported by experienced players Manoj M, Muhammed Aslam, and Adil Amal. The team’s midfield looks solid, featuring players like Arjun V, Christy Davis, and Mohammed Arshaf.Controlling the match’s pace and creating scoring opportunities will depend heavily on Kerala’s midfield performance. Naseeb Rahman and Salman Kalliyath provide additional stability in this crucial area, which appears to be Kerala’s strongest asset in their championship pursuit. The attacking line-up includes Gani Nigam, Muhammed Ajsal, and Sajeesh E.