Kerala secured the final semifinal berth of the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 with a comprehensive 3–0 victory over hosts Assam at the Silapathar Football Stadium, underlining their growing authority in the tournament’s decisive stages.
Goals from Manoj M, Muhammad Ajsal and substitute Aboobacker Dilshad ensured a controlled and clinical performance that never allowed Assam’s home advantage to come into play. The result completed the semifinal lineup, with Kerala joining Punjab, Services and Railways in the final four. Both semifinals will be played on February 5, with Kerala set to face Punjab in what promises to be a high-stakes clash between two of the competition’s most consistent sides.
From the opening whistle, Kerala imposed structure and discipline, refusing to be drawn into an end-to-end contest. Assam attempted to press early, buoyed by vocal home support, but struggled to bypass Kerala’s compact midfield block and organised defensive line. The breakthrough arrived when Kerala capitalised on sustained pressure, with Manoj M stepping forward decisively to open the scoring and tilt momentum firmly in his side’s favour.
Once ahead, Kerala grew in confidence and control. Assam’s attempts to respond were largely limited to hopeful long balls and crosses, which Kerala dealt with comfortably. Muhammad Ajsal doubled the advantage before the break, finishing off a well-worked attacking move that highlighted Kerala’s superior movement and composure in the final third. By half-time, the match had begun to drift out of the hosts’ reach.
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The second half followed a similar pattern. Kerala showed no urgency to overextend, instead managing the game intelligently by circulating possession and forcing Assam to chase. The hosts pushed higher up the pitch in search of a lifeline, but that only created space behind their defence. Substitute Aboobacker Dilshad took full advantage late on, sealing the contest with a third goal that reflected Kerala’s depth and tactical maturity.
For Assam, the defeat brought an end to an otherwise spirited campaign. Hosting the latter stages of the tournament had generated significant local interest, and the team showed flashes of promise across the group phase. However, against a Kerala side brimming with experience and cohesion, the gulf in execution at critical moments proved decisive.
Kerala’s progression also reinforced the impact of their evolving domestic football ecosystem. A majority of the squad has benefited from sustained competitive exposure through regional and national leagues, which has translated into sharper decision-making and improved physical conditioning. That continuity was evident against Assam, as Kerala rarely looked rushed, even under spells of pressure.
The semifinal stage now sets up two compelling contests. Kerala will meet Punjab at the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium, with both teams scheduled to kick off at 13:30 IST. Punjab, one of the most decorated teams in Santosh Trophy history, brings a blend of physicality and tournament know-how, making the matchup a stern test of Kerala’s title ambitions.
The second semifinal will see Services take on Railways at the Silapathar Football Stadium at the same time. That fixture pits two institutionally strong sides against each other, both known for defensive organisation and tactical discipline. With fine margins likely to decide both semifinals, game management and set-piece execution could prove crucial.
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All semifinal matches will be streamed live on FIFA Plus, ensuring widespread access for fans across the country. The digital coverage has played a key role in expanding the tournament’s reach this season, bringing state-level football into sharper national focus.
For Kerala, the victory over Assam represents more than just a passage into the semifinals. It is a statement of intent from a side that has blended youthful energy with experienced leadership, and one that appears increasingly comfortable handling knockout pressure. With momentum firmly on their side, Kerala will now turn their attention to Punjab, knowing that one more disciplined performance could put them within touching distance of another Santosh Trophy final.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, Kerala’s assured display in Silapathar stands as a reminder that preparation, cohesion and clarity of roles often outweigh home advantage. Whether that formula carries them past Punjab remains to be seen, but for now, Kerala have earned their place among the final four with authority.
