Services booked their place in the final of the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 with a clinical 2–0 victory over Railways at the Silapathar Football Stadium in Assam on Thursday, riding once again on the decisive influence of Abhishek Pawar.
The forward, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of this year’s national championship, scored in each half to ensure Services’ passage into their 13th Santosh Trophy final.
The win underlined Services’ growing momentum in the knockout stages of the tournament and highlighted Pawar’s knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. Just days earlier, he had struck the all-important winner against Kerala in the group stage, a goal that secured Services a quarterfinal berth in a fiercely contested group. Against Railways, the stakes were even higher, and Pawar once again proved to be the difference.
The semifinal began at a measured tempo, with both sides cautious in possession and keen to avoid early mistakes. Railways, unbeaten through the group stage, looked to control the midfield and slow the game down, while Services were content to stay compact and look for moments to strike on the break. The first clear opening of the match fell to Services just after the half-hour mark, and it was Pawar who made it count.
Collecting a loose clearance on the edge of the box, Pawar unleashed a crisp half-volley that flew past the Railways goalkeeper before he could set himself. The finish was instinctive and technically sound, reflecting the confidence of a striker in form. The goal gave Services a 1–0 lead and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour going into the interval.
Railways attempted to respond before half-time, pushing players forward and testing the Services backline with a series of crosses and long balls. However, Services’ defence held firm, denying Railways any clear-cut chances and preserving their slender advantage at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Railways enjoying spells of possession but struggling to break through a well-organised Services unit. As the match wore on, the pressure increased, but Services remained composed, waiting for an opportunity to extend their lead and put the contest beyond doubt.
That decisive moment arrived midway through the second half when Services were awarded a penalty. Pawar stepped up with trademark calm, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to double his side’s lead. The spot-kick effectively sealed the result, draining belief from the Railways players and allowing Services to manage the remainder of the match with confidence.
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Railways continued to push forward in search of a response, but the Services defence and goalkeeper remained resolute, ensuring a clean sheet on a day when defensive discipline complemented attacking efficiency. The final whistle confirmed a 2–0 victory and sparked celebrations among the Services camp, who now stand one match away from adding an eighth Santosh Trophy title to their storied history.
For Services, the result is significant not just for reaching another final, but for the manner in which they have navigated the latter stages of the tournament. Known for their institutional strength, physical conditioning and tactical discipline, they have combined those traditional qualities with moments of attacking sharpness, much of it centred around Pawar’s form.
Abhishek Pawar’s rise has been one of the defining narratives of this Santosh Trophy. His goals have come at crucial junctures, each carrying weight far beyond the scoresheet. Against Kerala, his strike ensured progression; against Railways, his brace delivered a place in the final. In a tournament where margins are often fine, his ability to convert chances has set Services apart.
The victory also reinforces Services’ reputation as one of the most consistent teams in Santosh Trophy history. With seven titles already to their name, they are the fourth-most successful side in the competition, and Thursday’s win takes them into their 13th final appearance. Such consistency is built on structure, preparation and the ability to peak at the right time — qualities that have been evident throughout their campaign in Assam.
Services will now await the outcome of the second semifinal between Kerala and Punjab to learn their final opponent. Regardless of who they face, they will enter the final with confidence, momentum and a proven match-winner in Pawar leading the line.
As the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 reaches its climax, Services’ journey to the final stands as a testament to resilience and efficiency. For Abhishek Pawar, it has been a tournament of personal breakthroughs; for Services, it is another step in a long tradition of excellence at India’s premier domestic football championship.
