Defending champions Kerala scored a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uttar Pradesh in the opening quarter-final league match, in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi on Friday.

After a barren first half, substitute Abdul Hakkim scored the all-important goal in the 71st minute to save the day for the hosts.

The goal emanated following a good move from midfield, where Mohammed Rafi, after collecting the ball, lobbed it into the box and substitute Ebin Rose leapt high and took a powerful header. The ball bounced off Uttar Pradesh goalkeeper Roy's hands and an opportunistic Abdul Hakkim pounced on the chance and booted home, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Much was excepted from the Kerala side, which had several international stars including I M Vijayan in their ranks, but it disappointed.

Though Kerala had the upper hand they fumbled at crucial moments, and either yielded possession or sent the ball over the bar.