Services clinched their eighth Santosh Trophy crown with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Kerala at the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium in Assam on Sunday.
In a tense and tactical final that remained deadlocked for over 100 minutes, it was Abhishek Pawar who once again proved decisive, striking in the 109th minute to settle the contest and cap a resilient campaign for the 2023-24 champions.
The final had been billed as a clash of contrasting identities Kerala’s attacking flair against Services’ defensive discipline. For long stretches, it unfolded exactly that way, with Kerala dominating possession but struggling to penetrate a compact Services backline that rarely lost shape.
Cagey Opening, Missed Opportunities
Under the scorching Assam sun, both sides began cautiously. Services looked sharper in the opening exchanges, testing Kerala’s defensive organisation with a couple of early set-piece situations. Kerala gradually settled and began to assert themselves through the midfield.
Muhammad Ajsal, who has been Kerala’s standout performer this season, nearly found himself through on goal in the 20th minute but was denied by a perfectly timed tackle. Shortly after, Arjun V attempted an ambitious strike from distance that rattled the woodwork, drawing gasps from a packed stadium.
As the first half wore on, Kerala created the better openings. Shijin rose highest to meet a cross from the right but could only direct his header over the bar in what was arguably the best chance of the half. Despite Kerala’s territorial advantage, Services remained dangerous on transitions, with Abhishek Pawar and Zahir Khan probing for spaces behind the defensive line.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams aware that a single mistake could tilt the balance.
Second Half: Tension Mounts
The second half mirrored the first in its intensity but lacked clinical finishing. Services continued to threaten sporadically, while Kerala enjoyed more of the ball without converting dominance into clear-cut chances. In the 79th minute, Kerala squandered another opportunity when a shot from outside the box flew well off target, prompting visible frustration among players and supporters alike. As the match approached the 90-minute mark, Kerala appeared content to absorb pressure and force extra time, retreating deeper into their half.
Services had one final push in regulation time through a free-kick, but Kerala goalkeeper Hajmal punched clear amid a chaotic sequence that saw yellow cards and medical intervention following a heavy challenge. When the referee blew for full time at 0-0, the tension inside the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium was palpable.
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Extra time began with renewed urgency. Kerala nearly broke the deadlock in the 104th minute when Arjun delivered a teasing corner that Muhammed Riyas volleyed goalward. Services goalkeeper Gagandeep produced a crucial save, stretching fully to keep the score level.
Five minutes later came the decisive moment.
In the 109th minute, Abhishek Pawar found space inside the Kerala penalty area. The Services forward, who had already tormented Kerala earlier in the tournament, showed composure under pressure to slot home the winner. The Services bench erupted, and their fans roared in celebration as Pawar once again delivered in a high-stakes encounter.
Kerala attempted to respond in the closing minutes, pushing bodies forward in desperation. However, Services’ defensive organisation their hallmark throughout the competition held firm. The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned 1-0 victory and sparked jubilant celebrations among the Services contingent.
Services’ route to the title had not been straightforward. They survived a penalty shootout against defending champions West Bengal in the quarterfinals and navigated tight knockout matches through discipline and mental resilience. Head coach Subedar Mileswamy Govindaraju Ramachandran had emphasised mentality as the key factor before the final, and his team delivered precisely that.
For Kerala, the defeat will sting. They had been the tournament’s most dominant side, topping their group with 10 points and recording emphatic victories in the knockout stages, including a 4-0 semifinal win over Punjab. However, their only group-stage defeat had come against Services a result that ultimately foreshadowed the final outcome.
Abhishek Pawar’s match-winning goal not only sealed the trophy but reinforced his status as one of the competition’s most decisive players. In a final defined by fine margins, it was Services’ composure in crucial moments that proved the difference. With this triumph, Services add an eighth Santosh Trophy to their storied history, reaffirming their place among the competition’s most successful teams. For Kerala, redemption will have to wait.
