Kerala took a clear lead in Group B of the 79th National Football Championship for the final round of the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 after beating Odisha 1-0 on Tuesday.
The only goal of the match came in the 21st minute through the boots of striker Shijin T.
The Southern State now leads the rankings with seven points, closely followed by Meghalaya and Railways, which are at five. Services occupy the final Group B knockout qualifying spot with three points, followed by Odisha and Punjab, who have collected just one point each; all teams have played three matches so far.
Railways 2-0 Punjab
Unbeaten Railways overcame the challenge of Punjab to score twice at the Silapathar Football Stadium late in the second half.
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Substitute Ngathem Imarson Meitei put Railways ahead in the 79th minute, while Abdhu Rahman made it 2-0 in the 93rd minute to seal the victory.
Meghalaya 2-2 Services
Deibormame Tongper struck an excellent brace as Meghalaya came from behind to hold Services to a 2-2 draw at the Silapathar Football Stadium.
Jijo Jerone (20′) and Abhishek Pawar (34′) gave Services the lead before Tongper reduced the margin in the extra minutes of the first half. He then found the equalizer in the 64th minute. Meghalaya’s Dawanchwa Carlos Challam was sent off after seeing a second yellow card in the match in the 77th minute.
Published on January 27, 2026
