The stage is set at the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium in Assam as Kerala and Services prepare to lock horns in the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 final on Sunday.
With both sides chasing their eighth title, the clash carries not just the weight of a trophy, but the weight of history.
Kerala and Services are among the most decorated teams in the tournament’s storied legacy. Both are seven-time champions. Kerala’s journey through the Santosh Trophy has also seen nine runner-up finishes, underlining its sustained competitiveness over decades. Services, meanwhile, has claimed seven titles and finished second on five occasions, carving out a reputation for consistency and discipline in domestic football.
This final promises more than just a battle for silverware. It is a contest shaped by contrasting football philosophies Kerala’s dynamic, attack-minded approach against Services’ trademark defensive organisation and tactical structure. History, legacy and redemption will all be in play when the two sides meet.
Kerala’s Momentum and Firepower
Kerala has been one of the most dominant teams in this edition. It topped Group B with 10 points, signalling early intent, and has only grown stronger in the knockout stages. In the quarterfinals, Kerala brushed aside host Assam 3-0 with a composed and clinical performance. It then followed that up with a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Punjab in the semifinals a statement victory that reaffirmed its title credentials.
At the heart of Kerala’s campaign has been Muhammad Ajsal. The forward has scored five goals in seven matches, consistently delivering in key moments. His movement in the final third, ability to exploit defensive gaps and calm finishing have been central to Kerala’s attacking rhythm. Beyond Ajsal, Kerala’s fluid midfield play and wide transitions have made them one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the tournament.
However, Kerala’s path has not been flawless. The only defeat it suffered in this campaign came against none other than Services in the group stage. That loss will linger in memory as the final approaches. It offers both a warning and motivation. Having last lifted the trophy in 2021-22, Kerala will be keen to reclaim the crown and avenge that earlier setback.
Services’ Resilience and Defensive Steel
If Kerala’s journey has been marked by emphatic scorelines, Services’ path to the final has been defined by resilience and mental strength. The defending champion from 2023-24 had to negotiate tougher battles, especially in the knockout rounds. Its quarterfinal against West Bengal the defending champion went down to a tense penalty shootout, where Services held its nerve to progress. That victory not only underlined its defensive resolve but also showcased its ability to handle pressure situations.
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Services has long been known for its compact defensive structure, disciplined backline and tactical organisation. But this campaign has also highlighted its attacking edge. Abhishek Pawar has been a standout performer, currently the joint second-highest scorer of the tournament with six goals. Pawar has repeatedly stepped up in decisive moments scoring the winner against Kerala in the group stage and netting a brace in the semifinal win over Railways.
His presence gives Services a potent outlet in transition, allowing them to balance defensive solidity with clinical counter-attacks. That blend of structure and opportunism makes Services a formidable opponent in a one-off final.
A Final Framed by History
Sunday’s clash is about more than form and statistics. Both teams are chasing an eighth title, a milestone that would further cement their place in Santosh Trophy history. For Kerala, it is about reclaiming dominance and erasing the sting of the group-stage defeat. For Services, it is about defending its crown and reaffirming its status as one of India’s most consistent domestic powerhouses.
The Dhakuakhana Football Stadium in Assam will host the showdown on February 8, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM IST. While the match will not be broadcast on television, fans can catch the live streaming on FIFA+. The final is expected to be a compelling tactical duel. Kerala’s attacking firepower, driven by pace and creativity, will test Services’ defensive organisation. Conversely, Services’ structured approach and sharp finishing could exploit any lapse in Kerala’s backline.
In tournaments like the Santosh Trophy, finals are often decided by moments a single defensive error, a moment of brilliance, or a lapse in concentration. With both teams evenly matched in pedigree and ambition, Sunday’s encounter promises intensity from the first whistle to the last.
One of them will walk away with an eighth Santosh Trophy crown. The other will be left to reflect on what might have been.
