Services Claim Eighth Santosh Trophy Crown with Last-Gasp Extra-Time Victory
In a dramatic and tense finale of the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy, Services emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kerala. The decisive moment arrived deep into extra time at the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium in Assam on Sunday, securing the prestigious trophy for the Services team for an impressive eighth time in their history.
A Match of Patience and Persistence
The highly anticipated final remained deadlocked after ninety minutes of regulation play, with neither side able to break the stalemate. The deadlock persisted through the first period of extra time, testing the endurance and resolve of both squads. The breakthrough finally materialized in the 109th minute, following a well-constructed attacking move orchestrated by Services down the left flank.
The winning sequence began when Samuel Vanlalpeka spotted substitute Shubham Rana in space. Rana, who had been introduced into the match in the 63rd minute, received the pass and drove forward along the wing. He advanced to the corner flag before delivering a precise and measured cross into the heart of the Kerala penalty area.
The Decisive Moment
Kerala's goalkeeper, Hajmal S, managed to punch the incoming cross away from immediate danger. However, the clearance only reached the edge of the penalty box, where Services midfielder Abhishek Pawar was positioned. Pawar demonstrated exceptional alertness and composure, quickly controlling the ball, turning, and unleashing a powerful low right-footed shot. The driven effort navigated through a cluster of exhausted defenders and found the back of the net, triggering jubilant celebrations among the Services players and support staff.
Facing a deficit with little time remaining, Kerala launched a desperate offensive in the final minutes, committing players forward in search of an equalizer. Services goalkeeper and captain Gagandeep Singh played a pivotal role in preserving the lead, expertly organizing his defensive line and making crucial interventions to ensure his team's narrow advantage remained intact until the final whistle.
Post-Match Reactions and Analysis
Following the match, Kerala coach Shafeeq Hassan reflected on the challenging conditions his team faced. He highlighted the uneven playing surface at the stadium, suggesting it adversely affected his players' performance. Many of his squad had recently joined the national camp after competing in the Super League Kerala, which is played on superior quality pitches.
"We lost only two matches in this entire campaign, and both defeats were against Services," Hassan stated, acknowledging the quality of the opposition. His comments underscored the competitive nature of the tournament and the narrow margins that often decide football matches at this level.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Services football, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in the Santosh Trophy. The team's resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to seize a critical opportunity in the dying moments of extra time were the defining factors in a memorable final that captivated football fans across the nation.
