In a display of sheer determination and skill, the Rajasthan state football team has secured its place in the prestigious Santosh Trophy National Football Championship final round for the third time in five years. The qualification was sealed in a nail-biting fashion during the group stage's final match at Jaipur's Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium on Sunday.
A Must-Win Scenario Unfolds
The stakes were incredibly high for the home side. Rajasthan entered its last Group I match knowing that only a victory by a margin of three or more goals would be enough to overtake Gujarat for the second qualifying spot. With both teams locked at four points before the final day, the pressure was immense.
The day began with Gujarat applying pressure by thrashing Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 5-0 in the early match. This result pushed Gujarat's points tally to seven, setting a clear target for Rajasthan. The hosts needed not just a win, but a convincing one.
Dominant First Half Sets the Stage
Rajasthan responded to the challenge with a powerful start. The team took control of the game early and was rewarded in the 25th minute when Aditya Chahar found the back of the net to open the scoring. The momentum continued as captain Mukesh Kumar doubled the lead just nine minutes later, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Carrying a 2-0 advantage into halftime, Rajasthan was halfway to its goal. However, Maharashtra regrouped and mounted a strong defensive effort in the second half, frustrating Rajasthan's attempts to score the crucial third goal. As the clock ticked down, anxiety grew among the players and supporters.
A Last-Gasp Goal Seals Historic Qualification
The breakthrough finally came in the most dramatic moment possible—the fifth and final minute of injury time (90+5). Vice-captain Milan Poonia became the hero of the hour, slotting home the all-important third goal. The stadium erupted in wild celebration as players and fans realized the significance of the strike.
The 3-0 victory lifted Rajasthan's points total to seven, tying them with Gujarat. The tiebreaker came down to goal difference, where Rajasthan's superior margin earned them the coveted ticket to the national finals. This marks the second consecutive year Rajasthan has reached the Santosh Trophy's final round.
Looking Ahead to the National Stage
With the group stage triumph secured, Rajasthan now prepares to compete against India's top state teams in the Santosh Trophy final round, scheduled to be held in Assam next month. The team will look to carry this momentum forward and make a deep run in the championship.
The closing ceremony saw the Rajasthan Football Association honor participants from all four teams, match officials, the commissioner, and referees with dupattas and mementos. Notable football personalities present included Rajasthan Football Association secretary Dilip Singh Shekhawat, joint secretary Shakeel Ahmed, and former players like Jaswant Sinha and Abdul Jabbar.
