Nagaland team celebrates after entering into the final round of the Santosh Trophy by holding hosts Tripura to a 1-1 draw at Umakanta Mini Stadium on December 19.
Top group standings
AGARTALA, DECEMBER 20 (MExN): Nagaland made its maiden entry into the final round of the Santosh Trophy after 79 years, holding hosts Tripura to a 1-1 draw in a Group D match of the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 at Umakanta Mini Stadium on December 19.
The historic result not only sealed Nagaland’s first-ever qualification for the Santosh Trophy final round but also earned the team a berth in the National Games, scheduled to be held in Meghalaya in 2027.
Tripura took the lead in the 17th minute through Dewasish Rai, who converted a free kick. Nagaland fought back in the second half, with Laiwang Bohham scoring the equaliser in the 53rd minute to keep his side in contention.
With the draw, Nagaland completed their league campaign with seven points from three matches, registering two wins and one draw. They finished with a healthy goal difference of +4, having scored five goals and conceded just one.
Manipur finished second in the group with six points from three matches, recording two wins and one loss, while Mizoram ended third with three points. Tripura finished at the bottom of the table with a solitary point from three matches, having managed one draw and two defeats.
Nagaland’s consistent performances across the group stage, including back-to-back wins prior to the draw against Tripura, ensured their progression to the Final Group of the Santosh Trophy.
The Santosh Trophy final round will feature 12 teams, comprising the top team from each of the nine zonal groups, last year’s defending champions and runners-up, and host Assam.
