New Delhi: Punjab overturned a one-goal deficit to beat Odisha 2-1 in their 72nd Santosh Trophy opening match even as Mizoram stunned Goa 3-1 in Kolkata on Tuesday.
After a barren first-half, Odisha took the lead in the 62nd minute through Arpan Lakra at the Sailen Manna Sports Complex in Howrah.
Sarbjit restored parity for Punjab in the 70th and an own goal by Odisha’s Rudra Pratap Pradhan sealed full points for the eight time champions.
Mizoram came from behind to beat six-time champions Goa in their opening Group B game at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium. Goa captain Victorino Fernandes scored in the 11th minute but F. Lalrinpuia equalised in the 25th.
Two late goals from Lal Romawia (81st, 84th) helped the 2013-14 champions claim three points, helping them top of the group above Punjab on a better goal difference. Mizoram next play Odisha on Thursday while Goa are up against Karnataka the same day.
Punjab face Mizoram at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on Thursday while Odisha play Mizoram on Saturday at the Howrah Stadium.
