Services break Punjab hearts to win Santosh title

Anil Datt

Ludhiana, March 15

Services overpowered hosts Punjab in the final to win the 69th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy here today.

The issue was resolved 5-4 via tie-breaker as the regulation period and then extra time failed to produce any result. This is the fourth title victory for Services — they had won in 1961, 2012 and 2013. Punjab missed out on a ninth title. This was the third time that Punjab played hosts to this tournament and in the both those editions (1970 and 1974) they had emerged champions.

However, this time, they went down fighting in 

a cliff-hanger.

Services started on a high note, dominating the proceedings. They exhibited great mobility and depth in their attacks. It was an all-round good show by Services with the strikers and the defenders giving their best.

They threatened the rival territory frequently but were unlucky not to find the target on more than a few occasions. Blistering shots by Anthony Chettri and Arjun Tudu hit the crossbar.

Punjab defenders gave little space to the charging Services players. At the end of the second half, Services could have gained the lead but Laramnieng Mawia’s shot from close range was fended off by Punjab custodian Jagroop Singh.

The two teams failed to break the deadlock even in the extra time.

In the tie-breaker, Ajay Singh, Sarbjit Singh, Amarwant Singh and Ravinder Singh were on target for Punjab, while Paramjit Singh’s attempt was well saved by Services goalkeeper Shibin Raj. For Services, Antoshy Chettri, Vibin TV, Francis, Arjun Tudu and Rakesh Singh made no mistake in finding the back of the net as they steered their side the coveted title.