Express News Service By

CHENNAI: A Raegan struck a brace to ensure an easy 3-0 victory for Tamil Nadu against Telangana in the opening match of the 70th Santosh Trophy South Zone qualifiers at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.

It was a comfortable outing for Tamil Nadu who dominated throughout. Reagan struck on either side of half time, while the second goal was struck by S Karthick after a lovely interchange of passes between M Soosairaj and Raegan allowed the left winger to calmly slot past goalkeeper Raji Naidu.

Man of the Match Raegan was pleased with the individual and collective showing. “It was a good match for the team as well as for me. Soosairaj and I combined well.”

Happy with the outcome, coach Robin Charles Raja felt there was room for improvement. “The defence wasn’t tested but against Kerala we’ve to improve further. I’m very pleased for Raegan.”

Andaman No Show

The second match between Kerala and Andaman and Nicobar was not held as the latter withdrew, as reported by Express on Tuesday. Apparently, the Union Territory pulled out due to lack of funds. The AIFF released revised fixtures with three teams in Group A. Group B remains the same with four.

On Wednesday: Group B: Services vs Pondicherry (5.00 pm); Karnataka vs Andhra Pradesh (7.00 pm).