Services clinch Santosh Trophy with extra-time win over Kerala

Dhakuakhana, Assam: Services clinched the Santosh Trophy title after edging past Kerala in extra time, with Abishek Pawar scoring the decisive goal to seal victory in the final.

The match had gone into extra time after both sides were locked goalless at the end of regulation, before Pawar’s strike proved enough to hand Services the trophy.

It was the eighth Santosh Trophy title for Services, while seven-time champion Kerala lost its second final in a row

Despite the lack of goals, Kerala dominated possession and attacking play for most of the match. Services, however, defended resolutely, with their backline standing firm against sustained pressure. Services goalkeeper Gagandeep played a key role, producing a series of fine saves to deny Kerala on multiple occasions.

In the attack, the Arjun–Ajsal combination consistently troubled the Services defence. Kerala came closest to scoring in the 27th minute when Arjun’s shot struck the post. Soon after, a free-kick taken by Shijin failed to find the net, while a well-timed header that seemed destined for the goal went just wide of the box.