VIDEO: Services 4-3 Kerala on penalties

Here footage made by a fan from the stands of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi during yesterday's penalty shootout between Services and Kerala, which shows the great passion of the Kerala fans for football.

67th Santosh Trophy: Tournament Statistics!

The 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy was co-hosted by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala with matches played from February 1 to March 3. Services retained their title against Kerala in a penalty shootout.


Quarterfinal round - Results

Group A (Kochi)
Services, Indian Railways (Qualifying Group I, A-1), Odisha (Qualifying Group I, B-2), Madhya Pradesh (Qualifying Group II, winner of Cluster D)

23-Feb-2013: Services 0-0 Railways (4.15pm)
23-Feb-2013: Odisha 3-2 Madhya Pradesh (6.30pm)
25-Feb-2013: Railways 2-1 Odisha (4.15pm)
25-Feb-2013: Madhya Pradesh 0-6 Services (6.30pm)
27-Feb-2013: Services 2-0 Odisha (4.15pm)
27-Feb-2013: Railways 5-0 Madhya Pradesh (6.30pm)


Group B (Kollam)
Tamil Nadu, Goa (Qualifying Group I, D-1), Maharashtra (Qualifying Group I, C-2), Jharkhand (Qualifying Group II, Cluster A winner)

22-Feb-2013: Tamil Nadu 0-0 Goa (3.30pm)
22-Feb-2013: Maharashtra 4-1 Jharkhand (5.30pm)
24-Feb-2013: Goa 0-3 Maharashtra (3.30pm)
24-Feb-2013: Jharkhand 2-3 Tamilnadu (5.30pm)
26-Feb-2013: Tamilnadu 1-2 Maharashtra (3.30pm)
26-Feb-2013: Goa 2-2 Jharkhand (5.30pm)

Group C (Kochi)
Kerala, Uttar Pradesh (Qualifying Group I, C-1), Haryana (Qualifying Group I, D-2), Jammu&Kashmir (Qualifying Group II, Cluster C winner)

22-Feb-2013: Haryana 1-2 Uttar Pradesh (4.15pm)
22-Feb-2013: Kerala 2-0 Jammu&Kashmir (6.30pm)
24-Feb-2013: Jammu&Kashmir 1-3 Haryana (4.15pm)
24-Feb-2013: Uttar Pradesh 2-3 Kerala (6.30pm)
26-Feb-2013: Uttar Pradesh 1-2 Jammu&Kashmir (4.15pm)
26-Feb-2013: Kerala 1-1 Haryana (6.30pm)


Group D (Kollam)
Manipur, Punjab (Qualifying Group I, B-1), West Bengal (Qualifying Group I, A-2), Karnataka (Qualifying Group II, Cluster B winner)

23-Feb-2013: Manipur 0-3 Punjab (3.30pm)
23-Feb-2013: West Bengal 1-0 Karnataka (5.30pm)
25-Feb-2013: Punjab 4-3 West Bengal (3.30pm)
25-Feb-2013: Karnataka 3-1 Manipur (5.30pm)
27-Feb-2013: Manipur 2-4 West Bengal (3.30pm)
27-Feb-2013: Punjab 2-0 Karnataka (5.30pm)


Semifinals (Kochi)
28-Feb-2013: Maharashtra 1-1,0-1 Kerala [extra-time] (6.30pm)
01-Mar-2013: Services 1-1,2-0 Punjab [extra-time] (6.30pm)

Final (Kochi)
03-Mar-2013: Kerala 0-0,3-4 Services [penalties] (6.30pm)

67th Santosh Trophy: Services win trophy by edging Kerala 4-3 on penalties

Services needed penalties to defend their Santosh Trophy title in the final of the 67th edition of the competition against the co-hosts Kerala at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi to win their overall third title.

Kerala right-back Surjith's shot hit the horizontal and the Services players erupted in unbridled joy. For the visitors, Dhanji Singh, Sharwan Kumar, Dileep M. and Kiran K. Varghese scored while two shots were saved by Kerala custodian Jean Christian. For the hosts, Rino Anto, Abdul Basid and Sarath B.T. found the back of the net.

After the game Services striker Lalian Mawia was adjudged the Man of the Match.

It was always going to be a battle of who blinks first. And Kerala blinked, but not without a fight. A riveting essay of 120 minutes which needed penalty shoot-outs to settle the dust, the final of the National Championships gifted the 35,000 odd spectators a great game of football.

Congratulating the Services team, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "I congratulate the Services team for winning the 67th Santosh Trophy. It was a great game of football and I am overwhelmed with the turnout. It must be very motivating for the players as well playing in front of a full house. Overall, the ambience was amazing."

At the closing ceremony, Chief Guest the Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was introduced to the players of both the teams and officials, while he was accompanied by Kushal Das along with K. Babu, Chairman of the organising committee and Minster of Excise, Fisheries, and Ports of Kerala; K.M.I. Mather, President of Kerala Football Association and Executive Chairman of the Organising Committee.

Coming to the match, it was end to end stuff from the first whistle. Amidst deafening chants came Kerala's first real chance in the 11th minute. Kannan – shrugging off his injury and playing in the final – latched on to a cross from the midfield inside the 18-yard box but his strike brought out the best in goalkeeper Nano Singh of Services. Usman then dribbled past defenders in the 15th minute but his shot lacked sting and went straight into the hands of the custodian, who was the busier of the two in the opening exchanges.

The visitors though had one golden opportunity to surge in front as early as in the 6th minute. But the hero of the second semifinal Lalian Mawia shot over from inside the box. Mawia had another chance to make amends in the 25th minute when he was set up on top of the box by Subrata Sarkar. But this time the goalkeeper Jean Christian blocked his effort.

Change of ends saw no change of fortunes for either outfit. They played with same verve but the elusive goal was not coming. If Kerala's rearguard must be credited for their assiduity, the defending champions' custodian Nano proved to be a rock under the bar. The midfield battle was intriguing too as both the finalists could successfully read each other's moves, thus increasing the interception rate.

The crowd was getting impatient as time wore on and so were Kerala. Sajith's jinking run from the heart of the defence was testimony to their impatience. But the centre back was intercepted on the edge of the box by his counterpart Sumesh P.S.

In extra-time, Kerala looked the more purposeful side. Not only did they raid the rival citadel frequently, but the hosts also defended sturdily. Goalkeeper Jean Christian deserves a special mention here for his couple of acrobatic saves.

Usman came closest twice in each half. His shot off Shibin Lal's spadework flew inches over the bar in the 105th minute. Early on in the second half of extra-time, the striker's effort hit the chest of the goalkeeper after he was set up by substitute Nazarudeen beautifully.

Services lacked teeth upfront and the reason was the absence of their top goal getter V.V. Farhad due to injury. Kerala also missed the services of left winger Vineeth Anthony. It of course did not matter at the end.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

I.M. Vijayan: Kerala are peaking at the right time

When on the field Kerala striker Shibin Lal broke into an uninhibited jig with his teammates after scoring the winner against Maharashtra in the first semifinal of the 67th Santosh Trophy on Thursday, off the pitch I.M. Vijayan – arguably the Greatest footballer of his generation and an icon in Kerala – jumped out of his seat in joy, rejoicing in a manner we have so often seen him celebrate after scoring a goal! The 'Black Pearl' of Indian football was accompanied by his wife Raji Vijayan.

"I am very passionate about football in Kerala and with the team playing so well throughout the match, I was so engrossed in watching the match that I did not speak to her (my wife) for a while," Vijayan confessed, grinning.

"I last spoke to her before the match I believe. At half-time I was busy with some other commitments. After the winner by Shibin I hugged her in joy and was ecstatic. She is well versed with my fervour for the game," added the Arjuna Award winner, tongue in cheek.

Kerala play defending champions Services in the final today. Asked to predict, Vijayan said, "I cannot do that. It will be a very tough battle as both the sides as evenly matched. It will be a matter of who blinks first. Services are the defending champions and this time also they have a balanced side. Kerala of course will have the home support coupled with good team with some promising players. It will be great contest."

Coming to the semifinal, Vijayan felt that the hosts blossomed against top sides and this can be their advantage going into the summit clash. "The quarterfinal league matches were not challenging enough. This one against an in-form Maharashtra was our real test and the boys showed character to come out on top. The likes of Usman and the entire midfield played really well," he maintained.

"Shibin's winner was superb and sweetly timed. We played well in crucial junctures like the last 10 minutes of regulation time and extra time. The backline needs to be credited as well. Kerala are peaking at the right time."

The 15,000 odd spectators played their role too according to Vijayan. "The Kerala crowd is known for its vociferous support. It was no different here Thursday. Still I am expecting a packed stadium on Sunday. During our times we used to have full houses and the feeling was amazing. It gave you goose bumps," he went on.

"It takes a lot to perform in front of big crowds as the pressure to satisfy them is immense. The boys soaked up the pressure really well and the crowd as usual played its part in cheering the team to glory. Every move, every shot drew huge applause," concluded the legend.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

67th Santosh Trophy: Hosts Kerala take on defending champions Services

The final of the 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy will be played tomorrow between defending champions Services and co-hosts Kerala at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi after a month of football.

"We can beat them!" - these were the four words stressed upon by the two coaches of Kerala and Services ahead of their mouthwatering summit clash.

If Services Coach Sajith Kumar feels that the fitness level of his wards coupled with the knack of scoring late goals gives them the edge over the fancied hosts, his counterpart M.M. Jacob is of the opinion that massive home support along with the appetite to regain the coveted title after nine long years makes his side the favourites.

"We played really well in the second half of regulation time as well as extra-time. It is fascinating to see how the boys regrouped in the last quarter of the match scoring two goals in the space of nine minutes to clinch the match for us. I think this spirit can win us the title and after the semifinal win, I can assure you that the boys are highly motivated and raring to go," Kumar said.

"Kerala are a good side and the crowd will be behind them from the first whistle. But we will think that the crowd is cheering for us! That way it works and I have told the boys that," added Kumar smiling.

Jacob on the other hand feels that the strong home crowd will be a huge morale booster added to the desire to win the Santosh Trophy after a gap of nine years.

"It has been ages since we last won the Santosh Trophy. We came very near most of the times but lost our way."

Kerala has finished on the wrong side of a 1-2 scoreline when the two teams last met in the Santosh Trophy semifinals last year in Orissa.

"Our boys are much better prepared this time and the home support is a big advantage. I have always maintained that the crowd in this part of India is terrific and that will work for us, I am sure. We will definitely beat them. I may sound overambitious but I like saying that. We believe in that. We can beat them."

Both the outfits though are likely missing the services of their key strikers. Kerala's R. Kannan is doubtful after an an ankle injury, while Farhad of Services is certain to sit out after picking up a knock in the semifinal against Punjab.

"We have players who can fill the void. Lalian Mawia played so well last night scoring two goals. He along with Dhanji, who is a very versatile footballer, can form a formidable strike pair. Yes of course Farhad will be missed. He was the top goal getter last season. But we have to deal with such situations," the Services Coach maintained.

The Kerala Coach though was optimistic about Kannan's recuperation before the all important match. "He is injured but I think he will be fit in time. He is doing well and is a key player for us. I have my fingers crossed."

67th Santosh Trophy: Services need extra-time to overcome Punjab, face Kerala in final

The neutral crowd at the Jawaharlal Stadium was today treated to another cliffhanger as defending champions Services came back from behind to beat 10-man Punjab 3-1 in the second semifinal of the 67th Santosh Trophy in Kochi. Services now meet co-hosts Kerala in the final on Sunday, March 3.

Punjab looked the more purposeful side in the opening exchanges of the tie and were rewarded for their attacking intent in the 20th minute when Rohit's header from Taranjit Singh's pass took a deflection off Vijay Kumar's chest to enter the goal. Two minutes later, Harnek Singh's boys almost doubled the lead. Gagandeep Bali took a sharp turn inside the box after being fed by Taranjit from the right flank, but his effort was inches wide. Taranjit was impressive down the right flank sending in smart crosses which at times looked threatening. One such floater was met by Rohit in the 35th minute but his strike missed the target by a whisker.

The defending champions were denied room in the middle of the park which has been there key operation area with fleet footed players like Shadip Rai and Z.V. Horin deprived of space to orchestrate goalmouth chances. The two chances that befell upon them were in the 40th and 45th minute respectively. First it was V.V. Farhad who missed a gilt-edged opportunity from close range. His bungle was followed by Horin's strike which went agonizingly off target.

Playing a high line post the breather, Services got their first real chance to equalise in the 52nd minute when Farhad released Subrata Sarkar on top of the box. But the latter tried to improvise with a backheel which backfired. Sanjith Kumar's wards played with more intent stringing together passes cohesively.

Things turned dicey when Taranjit was given marching orders in the 57th minute after being booked for the second time in the match for play-acting. Services capitalised on the numerical advantage in the dying minutes of the match with substitute Lalian Mawia equalising in the 86th minute. It stayed one-all in regulation time and the match went into extra-time.

In the end Taranjit's untimely exit was a big blow for Punjab and proved to be detrimental in their quest for a place in the finale as Dhanji Singh and Lalian Mawia scored in the span of nine minutes of the second half extra-time to dash Punjab's hopes of a final berth after hanging on to their 20th minute lead commendably well in spite of being a man down early in the second half.

VIDEO: Kerala 2-1 Maharashtra match highlights

Here the report from IndiaVision on co-hosts Kerala beating Maharashtra 2-1 in extra-time of the first semifinal of the 67th Santosh Trophy this evening.

67th Santosh Trophy: Kerala overcome Maharashtra in overtime

Shimin Lal of Kerala made sure that there would be more people at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium than the picturesque Kerala backwaters on Sunday, March 3 by scoring the 2-1 winner late in extra-time against Maharashtra in the first semifinal of the 67th Santosh Trophy.

The five-time Nationals champions will now face either defending champions Services or Punjab in the summit clash on Sunday.

It was the home side who looked the hungrier of the two to draw first blood in a riveting contest where both the outfits went for the offensive from the word go.

In the opening exchanges, Kannan's shot was ably blocked by the Ranjan Salam of Maharashtra for a corner. The resultant flag kick saw Kannan's partner upfront Usman rise above the visitors' defenders to send a stinging header inches wide.

Every attempt on goal got a loud cheer from the crowd who thronged in numbers to watch their team in action. Kerala came closest to scoring in the final third of the first essay when Usman's angled left footer missed the target with the goalkeeper at his mercy.

The hosts had a moment of scare too. Goalkeeper Jean Christian needlessly came out of his line in the 43rd minute to catch the loose ball. It needed winger Sumesh's alacrity to make up for the custodian’s goof up.The feted Maharashtra ex-international duo of N.P. Pradeep and Mohammed Rafi – both from Kerala – were bottled up expertly too by the Kerala defence.

To make matters worse, Rafi picked up an injury in the first half and had to be replaced by Anas Ibnu Salam in the 36th minute. Kerala started the match without their regular captain P Rahul – ruled out due to injury. His replacement Nazarudeen too could not last the distance, picking up a niggle in the 33rd minute.

Things changed after the break. Usman's powerful strike in the 53rd minute struck the horizontal. Referee Ranjith Bakshi pointed towards the dreaded spot seconds later, due to handball inside the box during the melee that followed the shot. The lanky striker converted with minimal fuss sending the goalkeeper in the wrong direction.

But out of the blue, the visitors equalised through F. Lalrempuia in the 71st minute. Breaking the avalanche of attacks from Kerala, Lalrempuia unleashed a perfect right-footer from outside the box to beat Jean Christian in the Kerala goal to bring the match on level terms. This meant extra-time.

Shibin Lal, brilliantly set-up by substitute Ahammed Malik, set the crowd on fire after letting loose a rasping right-footer from the edge of the 18-yard box in the 118th minute. This meant that Kerala would contest Sunday's final.

67th Santosh Trophy: Humdinger on the cards as Services meet Punjab

In the second semifinal of the 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy defending champions Services take on seven time winners Punjab at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi tomorrow. And it will be a battle of wits when two heavyweights cross swords.

While Punjab are likely to play the aerial ball more to help their tall strikers like Amandeep Singh and Prem Kumar make early forays into the Services defence, the defending champions would prefer to string together short passes which suits their fleet footed players like Z.V. Zorin and Shadip Rai.

It will be interesting to see how the two coaches – Sajith Kumar of Services and Harnik Singh of Punjab – strategize to counter each other's different style of play. For the moment though, they preferred to hold their cards close to their chests.

"They play the aerial ball more because of the tall players in their arsenal. Our style is completely different as we play more possession football and ground passes. We like to open spaces as our players are suited to that. Our flank movement is very god and am banking a lot of that. My players are very fast with the ball and without it too. This is our advantage. Well, obviously we have got a plan to counter their game play but let's not get into that too much," Sajith Kumar quipped.

"Punjab are a very strong side and they have done really well to reach this far. They are gelling well and we have to put our best foot forward in order to win," added the Services Coach.

Punjab have won all their three quarterfinal matches in what was a Group of Death with 31-times champions Bengal, last year's semifinalists Manipur and an in-form Karnataka.

For Services, who won the trophy after more than half a century last year, it has been a mixed bag thus far. Starting their campaign with a draw against Railways, they mauled Madhya Pradesh 6-0 before toiling hard to beat Orissa 2-0.

Kumar though does not want to dwell on the past. "We did have a mixed outing in the quarterfinals but I thought my boys showed character to wriggle out of difficulties and played some scintillating football as well, against MP."

The match will kick-off at 18-30 IST and will be LIVE on DD SPORTS.

67th Santosh Trophy: Hosts Kerala face inform Maharashtra

In the first semifinal of the 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy Maharashtra will have to once again bring to the fore their doggedness that helped them reach the last-four stage when they lock horns with hosts Kerala at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi tomorrow.

Maharashtra peaked at the right time after somehow staying afloat in the qualifying round with just one win from three matches. But there was no looking back for the four-time champions since then. Thrashing the likes of Jharkhand and Goa 4-1 and 3-0 respectively before edging Tamil Nadu 2-1 in the quarters, the N.P. Pradeep's and Mohammed Rafi's showed the appetite for the elusive which they last clinched 13 years ago.

But they will have to brave the acid test in the form of Kerala who will look to reap dividends from their home advantage, which according to their coach M.M. Jacob is the biggest morale booster.

"The home support here is tremendous. Kerala is known for vociferous crowds. They'll yell their lungs out for the locals and in a semifinal clash. I can imagine how it will be. Needless to say this will be our biggest strength and we will look to cash on it. I don't want to disappoint the supporters," he said.

"Having said that, Maharashtra are a good team. They are in good form and will be more than a handful," he added.

"We have conceded some last goals in the last two matches and that is a concern. We need to improve on that and plug the gaps well. I am not particularly happy with the way we played in the last few matches but surely we will pick ourselves up."

Maharashtra Coach Farooq Ahmad echoed his counterpart in the home advantage aspect. "The crowd will be a huge advantage for them going into the clash. We need to on our toes. The fact that we will be travelling from Kollam to Kochi is another factor," he maintained.

"Players will be a bit tired but that cannot be an excuse. We are up against it. Our team is a blend of youth and experience with the likes of Mohammed Rafi and N.P. Pradeep in the team. So we are confident of a good show."

For the hosts, key midfielder Rakesh K. - nursing an injury - will be unavailable for match while captain Rahul P. stays a doubtful starter.

For the visitors, striker Francisco Salin will be missing.

The match will kick-off at 18-30 IST and will be LIVE on DD SPORTS.

67th Santosh Trophy: Semifinals & Final live on DD Sports

DD Sports will telecast live the semifinals and final of the 67th Santosh Trophy from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala. The two semifinals are scheduled on February 28 and March 1 while the final will take place on March 3, 2013.

The 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy is being co-hosted by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala with matches played from February 1 to March 3. From the Quarterfinal League onwards the tournament is being played in Kerala only.

Ex-Players: I-League teams should send scouts for Santosh Trophy!

Not long back, there was a time when breaking into the West Bengal Santosh Trophy team was more difficult than finding a place in the Indian National Team! Ask Tanumoy Basu, the former Indian international goalkeeper, presently the goalkeeping coach of the Pailan Arrows, who has been part of 14 Santosh Trophies for Railways and West Bengal.

"There are so many such instances when players who represented India couldn't get a place in Bengal's Starting XI," Basu recollects. "A place in the Bengal side was seen as an achievement. We used to play for our respective clubs throughout the season only to get selected for the Santosh Trophy," he adds.

"All of us, used to look forward to the Nationals as that was the opportunity to prove our mettle against the best in the business," Basu quips.

Plying his trade with Railways and West Bengal, Basu tasted success with his native state winning three titles for West Bengal, also Captaining the most accomplished outfit to glory in the 1994/95 edition.

"I'm proud to say that I was the captain of the side which won 31 trophies in total, in the year 1994. I remember Baichung (Bhutia) scoring the winner, then the golden goal, in extra time. We won 2-1 against Punjab. It was euphoric. I cannot put it in words," Basu recollected.

He hadn’t finished yet. Continuing in the same verve, Basu narrated, "In Kerala they used to have temporary bamboo stands for the Tournament. I remember the galleries getting full by morning itself. People used to flock like anything. Tickets used to get sold in no time for big matches, Bengal playing Kerala, for example."

"Icons like I.M. Vijayan, Baichung, Joe Paul Anchery; coaches of the calibre of Pradip-da (P.K. Banerjee), Nayeen-da (Syed Nayeemuddin) were all part of the Santosh Trophy," he concluded.

"I feel scouts should pay a little more attention to the Santosh Trophy. A lot of budding talent goes unnoticed. Club representatives should go and watch these boys play. Indian is a vast country, and states which don't have an I-League team have only the Santosh Trophy to put to the fore their skills."

Former India Captain and talismanic striker Shabbir Ali picked up from when Basu left. "To me, the State Team stays of paramount importance. States who don't have any representation in the I League, get a chance to show what they can offer. If you have I-League coaches or even assistant coaches to watch the Santosh Trophy matches, it will do Indian football a world do good," asserted Ali who played for both Bengal and Maharashtra in the coveted meet.

Ali thanked the AIFF for the timing of the Santosh Trophy. "The fact that Santosh Trophy is starting in February-March is a good thing. Teams like Services and Railways who practice till January stay fresh during this time. Also the weather is conducive for quality football. AIFF should be credited for this move."

"My triumph with West Bengal back in 1979 will remain in my memory forever. We beat Goa by a solitary goal in the final. There were all stars playing for the Bengal Team. It was unbelievable!"

(Report courtesy AIFF Media)

Services' Coach Sajith Kumar: We had a good Preparatory Camp for 25 days!

An almost full squad to choose from, fresh legs raring to go and almost a month's preparation time! What more can a team ask for before heading into a tournament, that too for the final stages? Defending champions Services can tick all the above mentioned boxes ahead of their first Group A quarterfinal encounter against Railways in the 67th Santosh Trophy. The other two teams in their Group are Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking to AIFF Media, coach Sajith Kumar, the man under whom Services won the coveted crown last year, said, "We have a full strength squad at our disposal. Gordon (Zormachane) and Sandu (Subba) are missing due to injuries but otherwise everyone is fit. The players are fresh and we had an excellent Preparatory Camp for 25 days prior to coming here."

Services have so far won two Santosh Trophy titles – if the first happened way back in 1961 in Kozhikode, the second crown came in the last edition in Cuttack.

Sajith added, "But at the same time we have to remember that nothing comes easy at this stage of the competition. We have been clubbed in a very tough group, especially with Railways. The first match will be very crucial in determining our fate. We have to win it in order to progress to the semifinals."

Kumar made no secret about the fact that for his side, the Santosh Trophy stays the main tournament and they prepare for it throughout the year. "Though we had a 25-day camp before the quarterfinal stage, I would be candid enough to admit that the Santosh Trophy stays the main focus for us. We look forward to it throughout the year. The boys feel this is the only opportunity for them to make a mark," he pronounced.

Is there any pressure of being the defending champions? "It was indeed euphoric last time round. Our confidence level scaled heights and we are still carrying it. I would not say that we are basking in the glory but the boys are upbeat and they don't feel any sort of pressure. They want to hit the greens and continue from where they left last year."

That certainly won't be music to the ears of all other rival coaches.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

I.M. Vijayan: I can't believe Santosh Trophy is back in Kerala!

Hot on the heels of the international friendly between India and Palestine on February 6, football has returned to 'God's Own Country' again. This time, for a longer period, and in the form of the prestigious 67th edition of the Santosh Trophy.

The Qualifying Round of the National Championships did kick-off in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi along with Kerala's Kollam and Kochi, but come February 22, the quarterfinal round would be held only in Kerala, an event which everyone in the State has been waiting for long - even I.M. Vijayan and Joe Paul Anchery!

Hear it from them, and you will feel the pulse.

"Back in 1999-2000 (Santosh Trophy) in Thrissur, I remember we played Maharashtra and I was then the captain (of Kerala). We played in front of a packed stadium and the feeling was surreal," Ancheri recollects with AIFF Media.

"Playing in front of a full house stays the dream for any player. When I lead the team out of the tunnel, I felt princely," his grin stays evident even over the phone.

"We lost the match 0-1, (Mohammed) Najeeb-bhai scoring the match-winner. But irrespective of the result, the crowd cheered the winners and even the brand of football which Maharashtra played on the day. That's Kerala. They will support you but also appreciate if the visitors play well," he adds.

The last time Kerala hosted the Santosh Trophy was at Kochi in 2005.

I.M. Vijayan, arguably the greatest footballer of his generation echoed Ancheri's feelings. "I need to pinch myself. The Santosh Trophy is back in Kerala!" he opines. "Kerala has a lot to offer to Indian football," he adds.

"I remember Ancheri was the captain in 2000 edition, and we played in front of a full house. It was a great feeling. Then in 2005 (in Kochi), it happened to be my last Santosh Trophy. The response was excellent and the interest level is amazing."

"It's like the Kolkata Derby when Kerala play here. You'll witness it for yourself if they reach the final. I keep my fingers crossed," he smiled.

The Black Pearl of Indian football went on, "Previously National Team players used to play in the Santosh Trophy. Nowadays the Tournament plays the perfect platform for youngsters as the I-League players don't play. It's the perfect grooming ground," the only footballer to have won the AIFF Player-of-the-Year Award thrice, pronounced.

Ancheri who had won the AIFF Player-of-the-Year twice, in 1994 and 2001 adds, "The state has been starving for top-quality football. You saw the response when India played Palestine. People will come out in numbers for the Santosh Trophy. It is a boon for us."

Defending champions' Services Coach Sajith Kumar, also a Keralite, concluded on a perfect note. "The glamour of the Santosh Trophy is still the same in this part of the country as it was in the 80's. It means a lot to the locals that Santosh Trophy is taking place here."

(Report & Photo courtesy of AIFF Media)

67th Santosh Trophy: Quarterfinal League groups and fixtures!

The qualifiers of the 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy being co-hosted by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala are over with 12 teams making it to the quarterfinal league stage with the final scheduled for March 3.

There has been a change in fixtures with the quarterfinal league matches all pushed back by a day due to the national strike on February 20 and 21, which the organisers saw as a risk to holding matches.

While Lucknow and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh hosted qualifying round I and II matches, while two cities in Kerala, Kollam hosted hosted qualifying round II and Kochi hosted qualifying round I matches. From the quarterfinals onwards all matches would be played in Kerala.


Quarterfinal round - Fixtures

Group A (Kochi)
Services, Indian Railways (Qualifying Group I, A-1), Odisha (Qualifying Group I, B-2), Madhya Pradesh (Qualifying Group II, winner of Cluster D)

23-Feb-2013: Services - Railways (4.15pm)
23-Feb-2013: Odisha - Madhya Pradesh (6.30pm)
25-Feb-2013: Railways - Odisha (4.15pm)
25-Feb-2013: Madhya Pradesh - Services (6.30pm)
27-Feb-2013: Services - Odisha (4.15pm)
27-Feb-2013: Railways - Madhya Pradesh (6.30pm)


Group B (Kollam)
Tamil Nadu, Goa (Qualifying Group I, D-1), Maharashtra (Qualifying Group I, C-2), Jharkhand (Qualifying Group II, Cluster A winner)

22-Feb-2013: Tamil Nadu - Goa (3.30pm)
22-Feb-2013: Maharashtra - Jharkhand (5.30pm)
24-Feb-2013: Goa - Maharashtra (3.30pm)
24-Feb-2013: Jharkhand - Tamilnadu (5.30pm)
26-Feb-2013: Tamilnadu - Maharashtra (3.30pm)
26-Feb-2013: Goa - Jharkhand (5.30pm)

Group C (Kochi)
Kerala, Uttar Pradesh (Qualifying Group I, C-1), Haryana (Qualifying Group I, D-2), Jammu&Kashmir (Qualifying Group II, Cluster C winner)

22-Feb-2013: Haryana - Uttar Pradesh (4.15pm)
22-Feb-2013: Kerala - Jammu&Kashmir (6.30pm)
24-Feb-2013: Jammu&Kashmir - Haryana (4.15pm)
24-Feb-2013: Uttar Pradesh - Kerala (6.30pm)
26-Feb-2013: Uttar Pradesh - Jammu&Kashmir (4.15pm)
26-Feb-2013: Kerala - Haryana (6.30pm)


Group D (Kollam)
Manipur, Punjab (Qualifying Group I, B-1), West Bengal (Qualifying Group I, A-2), Karnataka (Qualifying Group II, Cluster B winner)

23-Feb-2013: Manipur - Punjab (3.30pm)
23-Feb-2013: West Bengal - Karnataka (5.30pm)
25-Feb-2013: Punjab - West Bengal (3.30pm)
25-Feb-2013: Karnataka - Manipur (5.30pm)
27-Feb-2013: Manipur - West Bengal (3.30pm)
27-Feb-2013: Punjab - Karnataka (5.30pm)


Semifinals (Kochi)
28-Feb-2013: Winner Group B v Winner Group C (6.30pm)
01-Mar-2013: Winner Group A v Winner Group D (6.30pm)

Final (Kochi)
03-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2 (6.30pm)

67th Santosh Trophy: Co-hosts Kerala name final 20 player squad!

The Kerala Football Association has named their 20 players squad for the 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy which is being played from February 1 to March 3 in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

The co-hosts Kerala have been drawn in Group C of the quarterfinal league set to be played in Kochi having to face the following qualifiers from Jammu&Kashmir (Qualifying Group I, C-1), Qualifying Group I (D-2) and Qualifying Group II (Cluster C winner).

Kerala under coach M.M. Jacob have named midfielder P. Rahul of Kerala Police as their captain.


KERALA

Goalkeepers
Jean Christian P.A., P.K. Naseeb, Sreeju S.

Defenders
Sharath B.T., Johnson, Sherin Sam, Surjith V.V., Sajith T., Rino Anto, Abdul Basith

Midfielders
P. Rahul (captain), Rakesh K., Shibin Lal V.K., Sumesh N., Vineeth Antony, Ahmad Malik

Forwards
Kannan Rajendran, Usman P., Nasarudheen C., Saleel K.

Officials
M.M. Jacob (Coach), Rajeev Kumar (Assistant Coach), A.M. Sreedharan (Technical Director)

VIDEO: 67th Santosh Trophy theme song

The 67th edition of the Santosh Trophy for the National Football Championship being currently played in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh has an own theme song in Malayalam. Here it is to watch!

67th Santosh Trophy: Punjab's final 20 player squad

The Punjab Football Association has send a young 20 players squad, which is playing the 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy which is being played from February 1 to March 3 in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

Former champions Punjab have been drawn in Group C of the preliminary round being played in Varanasi having faced Meghalaya, losing 0-1 and today having a do or die match against Odisha.


PUNJAB

Goalkeepers
Paramjit Singh (Punjab Police), Satbir Singh (JCT Academy) S.D. Syam (CRPF)

Defenders
Arshdeep Singh (JCT Academy), Affavbir Singh (JCT Academy), Sukhdeep Singh (Punjab Police), Sandip Singh (JCT Academy), Sarabjit Singh (Punjab Police), Y. Krishna Kumar Singh (CRPF), Sumit Bali (Punjab Police)

Midfielders
Sajandeep Singh (JCT Academy), Harinder Singh (Punjab Police), Rohit (Punjab Police), Gurtej Singh (Punjab Police), Taranjit Singh (SNC FC Banga) Jatinder Singh (Punjab Police)

Forwards
Amandeep Singh (Mahilpur United FC), Prem Kumar (J&K Bank), Gagandeep Bali (SBH Singh FC), Vijay Kumar (Punjab Police)

Officials
Harnek Singh (Coach), Sandeep Singh (Manager)

67th Santosh Trophy: Bengal Football Team Sports a New JERSEY!

Ahead of the 67th Santosh Trophy, the new jersey of the Bengal Football Team sporting the e.i.n.s. sport logo was unveiled today at the Bengal Club. e.i.n.s sport is a maven sports marketing company, that is working towards development of football in India. Bengal is sporting a new look with e.i.n.s. sport logo on its front!

As Rainer Appold, CEO – e.i.n.s. sport said, "Marketing of football in India is still at its nascent stage. It is our privilege to be associated with the Bengal Football team and we are grateful to IFA to allow us to be the jersey sponsors for the Bengal Team for the forthcoming Santosh Trophy."

Launching the new jersey with e.i.n.s. sport logo, Utpal Kumar Ganguli, the IFA's Honorary Secretary, said, "I am grateful for the support extended by e.i.n.s. sport for the Bengal team for the forthcoming Santosh Trophy and hope for a long association with them. The Bengal team after winning the trophy for two successive years did not live upto their reputation last year having failed to qualify for the semi final. However this year, the team, with the experienced Manoranjan Bhattyacharya as the Chief Coach and assisted by experienced Satyajit Chatterjee is determined to bring back the trophy which will make e.i.n.s. sport appreciate the sponsorship support extended by them."

The 20 player Bengal state Santosh Trophy squad & officials:

Goalkeepers
Arnab Das Sharma (Mohammedan Sporting Club), Debjit Majumdar (Bhowanipore Club), Manas Barua (Southern Samity)

Defenders
Bapi Saha (Prayag United SC), Soumik Roy (Prayag United SC), Deepak Singh, Sagram Mandi (Bhowanipore Club), Sourav Chakrabarty (Mohun Bagan AC), Gour Naskar (Prayag United SC), Saikat Saha Roy (East Bengal Club)

Midfielders
Mohammed Muktar, Arjun Chatterjee (Mohun Bagan AC), Gopal Debnath (Aryan Club), Abhishek Aich (Calcutta Port Trust), Jagannath Sana (Bhowanipore Club), Francis Xavier (Prayag United SC)

Forwards
Dipendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan AC, Captain), Nabin Hela (Bhowanipore Club), Anjan Dey (Prayag United SC)

Officials
Manaranjan Bhattacharyya (Coach), Satyajit Chatterjee (Assistant Coach), Partha Chakrabarty (Goalkeeper Coach)


Santosh Trophy is the national state football championship with the trophy named after the late Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh, who had been the President of the Indian Football Association and the donor of the trophy.

The 67th Santosh Trophy is being co-hosted by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala from February 1 to March 3, 2013 with Bengal placed along with Delhi and Railways in Group A of the Qualifying round I with two out of the three teams moving into the Quarterfinal league phase. Bengal holds the record of being the champions on 31 occasions.

About e.i.n.s. sport
e.i.n.s. sport an Indo-German company with a young and dynamic team working in the fields of sports and entertainment is set to focus on the game of football, and is looking forward to the opportunity of working with IFA in future.

67th Santosh Trophy: Bengal name final 20 player squad

The Indian Football Association (West Bengal) has announced their final 20 players squad for the 67th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy which is being played from February 1 to March 3 in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

Record champions Bengal have been drawn in Group A of the preliminary round to be played in Kochi having to face Delhi on February 17 and Indian Railways on February 19.

Manoranjan Bhattacharya has been named as the coach with Satyajit Chatterjee as his assistant as the coach called-up numerous bench and fringe players of the Kolkata I-League sides East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Prayag United besides players from Calcutta Premier Division teams.

The IFA will tomorrow launch their new jersey at a press conference.


BENGAL

Goalkeepers
Arnab Das Sharma (Mohammedan Sporting Club), Debjit Majumdar (Bhowanipore Club), Manas Barua (Southern Samity)

Defenders
Bapi Saha (Prayag United SC), Soumik Roy (Prayag United SC), Deepak Singh, Sagram Mandi (Bhowanipore Club), Sourav Chakrabarty (Mohun Bagan AC), Gour Naskar (Prayag United SC), Saikat Saha Roy (East Bengal Club)

Midfielders
Mohammed Muktar, Arjun Chatterjee (Mohun Bagan AC), Gopal Debnath (Aryan Club), Abhishek Aich (Calcutta Port Trust), Jagannath Sana (Bhowanipore Club), Francis Xavier (Prayag United SC)

Forwards
Dipendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan AC, Captain), Nabin Hela (Bhowanipore Club), Anjan Dey (Prayag United SC)

Officials
Manaranjan Bhattacharyya (Coach), Satyajit Chatterjee (Assistant Coach), Partha Chakrabarty (Goalkeeper Coach)