Powered by the striking brilliance of Arjun Tudu, defending champions Services rallied from a 0-1 deficit to overcome hosts Maharashra 2-1 in the final of the 70th National Football Championships for the Santosh Trophy, organized by WIFA and played at the SEC Railway Stadium, Nagpur on Sunday afternoon.
The champions Services Football players, coaches and support staff are seen in a jubilant mood as they pose with the coveted Santosh Trophy.
After Mohammed Shahbaz Pathan gave the home side the lead in the 15th minute, the disciplined Services replied back strongly with Tudu scoring twice in a space of 11 minutes. The energetic striker first hit the target in the 26th minute and once again found the net in the 37th minute to secure a win for his team, which ensured they retain their title and to dash Maharashtra’s title hopes. Services have now overall won the title five times and this is their fourth triumph in the last five years.
The champions Servives received the coveted Santosh Trophy and the winners’ cheque of Rs five lakh from Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Runners-up Maharashtra received a cash prize of Rs three lakhs.
Services showed plenty of resilience and despite conceding early they managed to come back and win the match. On the other hand, Maharashtra did well to control the match, especially in the second period but were let down by some poor finishing and had they converted their chances, they could have changed the script.
Results (final): Maharashtra (Mohammed Shabaz Pathan 15th) lost to Services (Arjun Tudu 26th, 37th). Player of the final: Arjun Tudu (Services).