Maharashtra started their campaign with a 3-1 win over Jammu and Kashmir in the inaugural match of the 70th edition of the senior national football championship for Santosh Trophy here today.
In another league encounter, Railways drew with Mizoram 1-1.
After a goalless first half, Maharashtra wrested initiative and their substitute Shrikant Veramullu connected a right wing pass to put his team lead 1-0 in the 61st minute, at South East Central Railway ground.
But their joy was short-lived as a defender handled the ball inside the box and the referee blew for penalty kick in the 64th minute. Syed Shoaib made no mistake in making it 1-1.
However, Maharashtra mounted pressure with Veramullu dodging past two defenders and releasing a hot shot from close range in the 70th minute, to go 2-1 ahead.
At the fag end of the game, a J & K defender handled the ball and off the resultant penalty kick Raynier Fernandes increased the tally to 3-1 to seal J & K's fate.
In the other league match, Railways took lead in 58th minute through Jagtaar Singh (1-0).
Mizoram's Malsawmfela restored the parity through a penalty kick in the dying minute (1-1).
In tomorrow' fixtures, Tamil Nadu will take on Assam and West Bengal on Goa.
