Karnataka has ended their title droughty bagging their second Santosh Trophy title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Meghalaya, know the championship match results, winner, best performers, prize money, & other details in 2023
When Karnataka lost to Delhi in the final preliminary Group 1 league game of the 76th National Football Championship for the Hero Santosh Trophy in Delhi in December of last year, they weren’t sure if they would qualify the next stage because there were so many calculations involved. But, Karnataka ended their 54-year quest for the Santosh Trophy on Saturday night at the King Fahd International Stadium in the Saudi Arabian City with a valiant 3-2 victory over Meghalaya.
Santosh Trophy 2023 final winner, prize money, Meghalaya vs Karnataka score, results and award winners list
2023 Santosh Trophy Meghalaya vs Karnataka final result, score, goal scorers, best performers, & other details
Sunil Kumar’s right-footed angled volley was deflected off a defender and into the corner of the Meghalaya net to give Karnataka the lead in the second minute. After Sheen Stevenson Sohktung was fouled inside the box in the ninth minute, Meghalaya’s Brolington Warlarpih converted the resulting penalty kick with a powerful strike. In the 19th minute, Sunil’s foul on Jacob John’s cross gave Karnataka the ball back and set up Bekey, who finished perfectly. A wonderful free kick from well outside the area by Robin Yadav made it 3-1 right before halftime.
Around the hour mark, Sheen, who had scored the winning goal to seal Meghalaya’s berth in the final, drew one back. Yet Karnataka’s tenacity allowed them to endure till the end of the regular-time and hence, they clinched the title thanks to their 3-2 victory. Despite this loss, Meghalaya will return home with their heads held high as they managed to qualify for their first ever championship game. Meanwhile, Karnataka’sย victory marked the end of their 54-year title drought since the 1968โ1969 Nationals in Bangalore.
2023 Santosh Trophy final positions & prize money details
Prior to the final, Services defeated Punjab 2-0 in the play-off match to claim third place. Christopher Kamei and Shafeel both made one goal in each half to secure the victory for the 2018โ19 champion. The VAR system was also implemented for the third-place playoff game, marking the first time an Indian men’s team competed using the computerized referee referral process.
The new Santosh Trophy champions would be richer by Rs.5,00,000, while the runners-up would get Rs.3, 00,000 and the Fair Play award winner would get Rs.50, 000 while the Player of the tournament would receive Rs.20, 000.
WinWinD has come forward to sponsor the Golden Boot Award at the ongoing 63rd Santosh Trophy with Rs.1, 00,000 cash prize for the top goal scorer.