Santosh Trophy 2023-24: Services Beats Goa in Final

Services Lifts Seventh Title

In the final of the Santosh Trophy 2023-24, Services beat Goa by a solitary goal to lift the premier inter-state senior men’s competition for the seventh time in its long history. Shafeel P.P. scored the winning goal with a spectacular pile-driver in the 67th minute.

Goa Fails to Rise to Expectations

Goa, the favorite ahead of the final, could not live up to expectations as Services capitalized on Shafeel’s long-range strike and successfully defended their lead until the end.

Goalless First Half

The first half at the Golden Jubilee Stadium ended goalless as the attackers from both teams failed to find the back of the net. Despite an open approach and impressive raids from both sides, the chances were either neutralized in the box or went wide due to a lack of precision.

Services Takes the Lead

The second half saw more concentrated efforts from Services, who started probing the Goa box with purpose. Goa goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva made a crucial save in the 50th minute, but Services kept pressing for the lead. In the 67th minute, midfielder Rahul Ramakrishnan set up Shafeel P.P. outside the Goa box, and the Services right-back scored with a powerful grounder that beat Da Silva.

Goa’s Efforts Denied

Goa went in search of the equalizer and came close on at least three occasions. However, the Services defense stood firm, making crucial clearances at the right moments. The best chance for Goa came in the injury-time (90+3 minute) when Deeshank found substitute Joshua D’Silva with a cross. D’Silva’s header beat the Services goalkeeper, but Pradeep Kumar cleared the ball from the line to secure the victory for Services.