Santosh Trophy: Services, Kerala make their way to the semi-finals

Services edged out (2-1) Meghalaya in a three-goal thriller whereas Kerala knocked out Jammu & Kashmir (1-0) with a late winner in the quarter-finals of the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 at the Deccan Arena on Friday.

Naseeb Rahman's lone strike seals J&K's fate.

Naseeb Rahman rose to the occasion as he scored the solitary goal of the match to help Kerala defeat Jammu and Kashmir and reach the semi-final of the Santosh Trophy for the 31st time.

Rahman, who scored in the 73rd minute against Jammu & Kashmir, is now the joint second-highest scorer of the tournament (alongside Tamil Nadu's Lijo K) with seven goals to his name.

Kerala has been a formidable force in this season’s Santosh Trophy, arriving at their quarter-finals against Jammu and Kashmir as one of the unbeaten heavyweights of the competition.

With a potent attack, Kerala’s team dynamics have allowed them to score an impressive total of 29 goals while their defense too stood firm, conceding only four goals so far.

Facing such a high-performing team, Jammu and Kashmir, under the tactical guidance of former Indian defender and coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, prepared a robust defensive strategy to counter Kerala's aggressive play.

They effectively closed down spaces in the midfield, crucial for disrupting Kerala’s build-up play, and tightly marked the wingers to prevent them from making impactful runs down the flanks.

The first half thus saw Kerala’s players visibly frustrated as they struggled to penetrate the solid defensive setup of Jammu and Kashmir. And even when they did, Jammu and Kashmir’s goalkeeper Majid Ahmad was alert and positioned perfectly to make timely saves.

Jammu and Kashmir themselves showed flashes of threat. In the 27th minute, Aakif Javaid dashed down the right flank and delivered a cross to Talib Nazir inside the penalty box. Despite having ample time and space, Nazir’s shot sailed over the crossbar as the first half ended goalless.

Entering the second half, Kerala intensified their efforts and piled more pressure on the Jammu and Kashmir defense. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when a defensive mistake by Jammu and Kashmir provided them with a golden opportunity.

Joseph Justin delivered a cross that the defenders failed to clear effectively, allowing Naseeb Rahman, who had already netted six goals in the tournament, to take control with his chest. Rahman showcased his composure and striking ability by firing a decisive volley past the goalkeeper, putting Kerala ahead.

Jammu and Kashmir rallied to mount a comeback and came close to scoring the equalizer in the 88th minute. A cross from the right was fisted away by Kerala goalkeeper Hajmal S. However, the ball landed at the feet of Shahmeer Tariq, who quickly took a shot, but his effort agonizingly soared over the crossbar.

Holders Services make semi-finals at Meghalaya’s expense

In what turned out to be an ‘open’ encounter filled with end-to-end action, both Meghalaya and Services expressed a willingness to attack and seize control right from the outset.

Services began with a high-tempo approach, stringing together rapid passes that stretched Meghalaya’s defense. They looked to exploit the flanks effectively, creating space and sending dangerous crosses into the box.

Meghalaya determined not to be outplayed, countered sharply. Their strategy involved swift, direct attacks that repeatedly tested the Services backline.

The game’s first significant chance came Services’ way when Alan Thapa unleashed a long-range shot from 24 yards. The strike bypassed Meghalaya goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai but clattered off the crossbar.

Responding with purpose, Meghalaya’s Donlad Diengdoh overpowered his marker inside the box to set up teammate Damanbhalang Chyne. Positioned perfectly, Chyne, however, skied his effort over the bar.

Services continued to probe, with Sreyas VG missing a golden opportunity after skillfully maneuvering past defender Wanboklang Lyngkhoi. However, his final shot drifted wide.

A defensive lapse at the other end from Services goalkeeper Gagandeep Singh nearly cost his team dearly as he misplaced a pass straight to Chyne. With Singh out of position, Chyne faced an open goal but his hasty shot was too direct, allowing Singh to recover and make a save.

The breakthrough finally came in the 33rd minute through a brilliantly orchestrated play by Services. Midfielder Alan Thapa, showcasing his precision and vision, sliced through Meghalaya’s defense with a pass to Bidhyasagar Singh.

Singh, making a well-timed run, collected the pass and coolly slotted the ball home, giving Services a deserved lead as the first half concluded.

Starting the second half with the same intensity, Services doubled their advantage immediately. A swift attack from the left allowed Ramakrishnan to toe-poke the ball past Rymbai, who failed to keep it out, pushing Services further ahead in the 46th minute.

Facing a two-goal deficit, Meghalaya intensified their efforts, launching a barrage of attacks. Despite creating numerous chances, their forwards’ lack of composure in front of goal meant many opportunities were squandered.

Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when a well-delivered cross from the right found Overkindness L Mawnai at the far post. Mawnai headed the ball in, narrowing the gap, but it was too late to alter the outcome.

Semi-Finals Schedule

SF-1: West Bengal Vs Services - 29th December - 2:30 PM IST

SF-2: Kerala Vs Manipur - 29th December - 7:30 PM IST