Santosh Trophy 2025-26 final: Services thrashed Kerala in extra time to lift their eighth title

Abhishek Pawar scored the decider goal to seal the Santosh trophy

Services lift their eighth Santosh Trophy title after defeating seven-time champion Kerala in the final. Both teams were in the final to look for their eighth title over anything. The final was tightly congested as the game of 90 minutes went into the regulation time, while both teams showed their discipline and footballing philosophy.

But at the end of the game, Abhishek Pawar from Services scored the deciding goal on 109 minutes of the game and was named player of the match.

Kerala has been one of the most dominant sides in this tournament, as they topped their group with a vital 10 points. In the quarter-final, they overpowered host Assam with a scoreline of 3-0, while they clinched a convincing 4-0 win over Punjab in the semi-final. In other hand, Services is known for its defensive setup, securing clean sheet in the quarter finals, semi-finals and now the finals.

Services win Santosh Trophy 2025-26 title.

The Final Showdown

From the very beginning of the match, an aggressive style of football was evident from both teams. Services, known for their strong defensive line and setup, earned a free kick within the first five minutes, but failed to convert it effectively.

After that, Services couldn’t create many opportunities, but the Kerala team repeatedly threatened the opponent’s defense. In the 27th minute, Kerala player Arjun V. took a long-range shot from just outside the box, but it hit the crossbar.

Kerala’s striker, Mohammed Ajsal, played a remarkable game in the first 45 minutes. He consistently made his presence felt at the Services goalpost, and as a result, Kerala almost scored in the 41st minute. Shijin received a cross from the right and jumped for a header, but he couldn’t connect, and the ball flew over the net.

In the second half as well, Kerala continued to press the Services defense, looking for an opening goal, but the opponent remained resolute. In the 84th minute, Services defender Deny Singh picked up an injury.

Although both halves featured attacking football, Kerala had several chances. However, they were repeatedly thwarted by the strong Services defense. But when it mattered the most, the 109th minute, the star player of Services, Abhishek Pawar, made a fairy tale for them. He found the net in the extra time to give Services the lead, who also scored against Kerala in an earlier meeting.

With this victory, Services add another rich chapter in their history, while Kerala falling short in the final hurdle.

Kerala, led by Saju G, collected the runners-up trophy and also gave a guard of honor to Services for their victory.

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