Santosh Trophy Final: West Bengal and Kerala face off in battle of giants – Preview

After a grueling month and a half of competition featuring 87 matches, the 78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 has reached its climax.

West Bengal and Kerala, two of Indian football’s powerhouses, will lock horns at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad to determine the champion on Tuesday.

West Bengal, often referred to as the cradle of Indian football, is preparing for its record 47th final. Having won the prestigious trophy 32 times, they boast an unparalleled legacy in the competition.

Kerala, on the other hand, has claimed the title seven times and has shown dominance in recent years, defeating Bengal in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 finals.

Head-to-head

The rivalry between these two states runs deep.

In 32 encounters during the Santosh Trophy final rounds, Bengal has emerged victorious 15 times, while Kerala has won nine matches, with eight ending in draws.

Both teams have demonstrated their strength in the ongoing tournament, winning nine of their 10 matches and drawing one each.

Kerala has netted an impressive 35 goals, while Bengal has scored 27, underlining their attacking prowess.

From the Press Conference

Bengal head coach Sanjoy Sen emphasized the high expectations from his team.

“Reaching the final might be an achievement for others, but for Bengal, it means nothing unless we win. The tournament has grown more competitive, making every victory hard-earned,” he remarked.

Kerala’s head coach Biby Thomas Muttath shared a similar sentiment.

“For us in Kerala, the Santosh Trophy is like a World Cup. Reaching the final is expected, but our aim is always to bring the trophy home,” he said.

Players from both sides echoed the anticipation for a closely contested match.

Bengal striker Robi Hansda, the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals, is eager to leave his mark in his maiden Santosh Trophy final.

Meanwhile, Kerala’s midfield maestro Nijo Gilbert highlighted the derby-like atmosphere of their rivalry with Bengal, stating, “It’s going to be a tough game, but we hope to stick to our strategy and succeed.”

Where to watch?

The much-anticipated final will kick off at 7:30 PM IST and will be streamed live on ssen.com.

Fans can also catch the action on DD Sports, ensuring that this high-stakes clash reaches every corner of the country.

As the two titans of Indian football prepare to battle it out, fans can expect a thrilling contest to close the year on an exhilarating note.

Will Bengal extend their dominance, or will Kerala continue their recent upper hand? All will be decided under the floodlights in Hyderabad.