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K. P. Rahul's late strike helped Kerala edge past defending champions Bengal 1-0 and enter semifinals as Group A toppers in the national football championship for the 72nd Santosh Trophy on Tuesday. Rahul was set up by Jithin MS from the right wing before guiding the ball into the net for the winning goal in the 90th minute. Kerala, courtesy the result, finished with four victories from as many matches to top Group A with 12 points. Bengal ended second with nine points from four matches.