Services Wins the 79th Santosh Trophy Final Against Kerala

On February 8, 2026, the city of Dhakuakhana in Assam hosted the final match of the 79th Santosh Trophy, a popular football competition in India. This match was watched by many fans and was shown live on television. It was a big day for Indian football as two strong teams, Services and Kerala, competed for the trophy. Services football team emerged as the winner after a very exciting match that lasted through regular and extra time. The game started at 1 pm, and both teams played carefully. The game was closely fought, with few clear chances to score. Neither team managed to score during the regular time or the initial part of extra time. It was a tense moment for both teams and their supporters. The match was decided in the 109th minute of extra time when Abhishek Pawar, a player from Services, scored a goal. His goal was the only one of the game, and it secured Services' eighth Santosh Trophy title. Pawar's goal took everyone by surprise because it came late in the game, but it was enough to give Services the victory. Most of Kerala’s attacking efforts were led by their main striker, Muhammed Ajsal, who kept trying to challenge the Services defense throughout the match. Despite his efforts and the threat he posed, Kerala was unable to find the back of the net. The match remained goalless through regulation and the first part of extra time, leading to a tense finish. Services' goalkeeper and team captain, Gagandeep Singh, played an important role. He organized the team’s defense well, especially in the closing minutes when Kerala pressed hard to score an equalizer. His leadership and quick reactions helped protect the lead and ultimately secure the victory for Services. The match took place in front of a large crowd at the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium. It was a historic occasion because this was only the second time Assam hosted the Santosh Trophy final, the first being many decades ago. This final was the second time that Services and Kerala met in a Santosh Trophy final. Their previous encounter was in the 2012–13 edition, when Services won after a penalty shootout following a goalless draw. The teams have a history of competitive matches, but Services has now added to their tally of titles. Services had also won the championship in the previous season, defeating Goa 1-0 in the final held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. This recent victory further confirms their position as one of the most successful teams in the history of the tournament. The final was played on a Sunday, which made it a special weekend event for football fans. The match's timing at 1 pm on a Sunday afternoon meant that many supporters across the region and country could follow the game, either in person or on television. Follow-up comments from Kerala’s coach, Shafeeq Hassan, mentioned that the uneven playing surface affected his players. Many of them had recently joined the camp after completing commitments in the Super League Kerala, playing on better pitches. These conditions may have influenced the flow of the game and the players’ performances. Overall, the match was a close contest with limited clear scoring opportunities for both sides. The decisive moment came late in extra time, with Pawar’s goal sealing the victory for Services. The team’s goalkeeper, Gagandeep Singh, and the efforts of other players contributed significantly to their success. This victory for Services adds another chapter to the history of the Santosh Trophy, highlighting their strength and consistency over the years. For Indian football, it continues to be a showcase of local talent and competitive spirit. The event’s successful organization and large attendance demonstrate growing interest in football across the country. In summary, Services’ win in the 79th Santosh Trophy final was a significant achievement. It was a hard-fought game, decided by a single goal in extra time, and it reinforced Services’ status as one of India’s top football teams.