The 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 burst into life on Wednesday, January 21, with a high-energy opening day across Dhakuakhana and Silapathar in Assam, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested Final Round.
Defending champions West Bengal announced their intent in emphatic fashion, while Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan also opened their campaigns with hard-earned victories to stake early claims in Group A.
With only one match played, it is too early to talk about the shape of the competition, but the opening results already highlighted the contrasting styles and narratives that will define this phase of the tournament.
West Bengal lay down a powerful marker
The biggest statement of the day came from West Bengal, who swept aside Nagaland 4–0 in Dhakuakhana to underline why they remain the team to beat. The 33-time champions were on the front foot from the opening whistle and never allowed their opponents any breathing space.
It took them just two minutes to break the deadlock, when Robi Hansda, last season’s leading scorer, rose to meet a corner and powered a header into the net. The early strike settled Bengal into their rhythm, and they continued to dictate possession and territory through the first half. Their second goal arrived in the 32nd minute, once again from a wide delivery. Akash Hemram swung in a precise cross from the right, and Sayan Banerjee timed his run perfectly to nod home and double the advantage.
Nagaland did have a rare opportunity to get back into the contest when Manton Wangshu burst down the left flank and fired a low shot that forced a smart save from Bengal goalkeeper Somnath Dutta, but that proved to be the exception rather than the rule.
After the break, West Bengal tightened their grip on the match. Just four minutes into the second half, Hansda turned provider, sliding a pass into Hemram’s path, who finished clinically at the far post to make it 3–0. With the contest effectively settled, Bengal continued to probe, and substitute Aqib Nawab capped the performance with a late goal in the 90th minute after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.
The result not only gave West Bengal three points but also propelled them to the top of Group A on goal difference, sending a clear warning to the rest of the field.
Tamil Nadu grind out a professional win
At the Silapathar Football Stadium, former champions Tamil Nadu produced a disciplined display to edge past hosts Assam 1–0, showing that not all victories need to be spectacular to be effective. The decisive moment came almost immediately. In the third minute, a long ball from midfield caught the Assam defence off guard, allowing Devadath S to bring it under control and curl a beautiful right-footed shot into the top corner. It was a moment of quality that ultimately separated the two sides.
Assam tried to respond, but Tamil Nadu remained compact and well organised, denying the hosts clear-cut chances. The visitors even had the opportunity to double their lead just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty. However, M Umasankar struck the post, keeping Assam’s hopes alive.
The second half saw Assam push forward in search of an equaliser, but Tamil Nadu’s backline stood firm. By managing the tempo and breaking up play effectively, they ensured that Devadath’s early strike was enough to secure all three points.
Rajasthan prevail in a thriller
The most dramatic contest of the day unfolded in Dhakuakhana, where Rajasthan and Uttarakhand produced a pulsating encounter that ended in a 3–2 win for Rajasthan. Rajasthan made a dream start when Amit Kumar headed them in front inside the opening minute. Their confidence grew, and skipper Mukesh Kumar extended the lead in the 24th minute with another well-taken header.
Uttarakhand refused to lie down, though, and staged an impressive fightback. Nirmal Singh Bisht converted a penalty in the 38th minute before striking again with a fine volley deep into first-half stoppage time to bring the scores level. The game remained finely balanced after the break, but Rajasthan found the crucial breakthrough in the 49th minute when Mukesh Kumar once again rose above the defence to score his second goal of the match. Uttarakhand threw everything forward in the closing stages, yet Rajasthan held on to claim a vital three points.
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With West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan all winning their opening matches, Group A is already shaping into a compelling battle. Bengal’s dominant goal difference gives them an early edge, but the competitive nature of the other fixtures suggests that every point will be fiercely contested in the days ahead.
The Santosh Trophy has long been a stage for India’s domestic footballing depth, and the opening day of the 2025–26 Final Round has only reinforced that reputation.
