KOLKATA: Assam routed Himachal Pradesh 10-0 to kick off their campaign on a spectacular note in the 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy on Thursday. Kerala, Orissa and Railways also got off to winning starts in their respective cluster matches of the day at various venues.

In the cluster VII match at Mohun Bagan ground, Assam Rifles striker Akum Ao struck six goals to power their side to the thumping win over minnows Himachal Pradesh. Akum led the goal glut striking in the 15th, 47th, 52nd, 61st, 76th and 78th minutes, while Bulu Zigdung struck twice in the 33rd and 39th minutes. S Warry (11th) and Chirod Das (87th) completed the rout for Assam.
Kerala registered a 3-1 win over Uttarakhand in their cluster VII opener at Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Sumesh N scored in the 31st minute to give Kerala the lead while Sakeer M P doubled the lead in the 65th minute. Four minutes later, Uttarakhand pulled one back through Veer Singh Negi before Kerala’s Javed struck in the 90+1st minute to complete the tally.
Sheikh Mustaqim scored twice in each half (10th and 55th), while Maheshwar Das struck in the 70th minute to help Orissa register a 3-1 win over Mizoram in their cluster VIII match at Khardah Stadium. Mizoram reduced the margin through their solitary goal by Aidinmawia Hmar in the 82nd minute.
In another match of the same cluster at Howrah Stadium, Railways rode on Anthony Soren’s three-goal strike to thrash Bihar 7-1.