ITANAGAR: Services football team clinched the 77th FIFA Santosh Trophy at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Itanagar’s Yupia on March 9.
The historic tournament, being held for the first time in the Northeast under floodlights, ended with Services celebrating their remarkable seventh Santosh Trophy title by defeating Goa 1-0.
With over 15,000 passionate fans filling the stadium, anticipation was high for an exhilarating match, and the game did not disappoint.
Both teams displayed remarkable skill and determination throughout the match, creating numerous opportunities at either end of the pitch.
However, it was Services’ Shafeel PP who stole the spotlight with a thunderous strike that secured victory for his team.
Among the distinguished guests present at the final were the Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and All India Football Federation President, Kalyan Chaubey, along with other AIFF members.
The match began with intense action from the outset, with both goalkeepers called into action early on to make crucial saves.
Services’ Samir Murmu and Goa’s Mahammad Faheez were among the key players vying for control, each attempting to break the deadlock.
Despite several close calls, it was Services who gained momentum as the match progressed.
In the 67th minute, Shafeel PP seized the moment with a stunning long-range strike that found the back of the net, putting Services in the lead with a well-deserved goal.
Services’ goalkeeper Sayad bin Abdul Kadir also played a pivotal role in securing victory, making crucial saves to deny any chance of a Goan equaliser.
Kadir’s heroic efforts ensured that Services maintained their lead until the final whistle, clinching the prestigious Santosh Trophy once again.
Additionally, individual accolades were bestowed upon the tournament’s top scorer, Phijam Sanathoi Meitei of Manipur, who scored an impressive 11 goals, and the Player of the Tournament, awarded to Services’ Samir Murmu for his outstanding performance throughout the championship.
Furthermore, Jharkhand was honoured with the Fair Play Award, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited by the team throughout the tournament.
