Final rounds will be tough, but I am confident with my boys: Coach Lavoriyi
Nagaland made its maiden entry to the final round of the Santosh Trophy in 79 years after drawing 1-1 with the home team Tripura in a Group D match of the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 at Umakanta Mini Stadium, Agartala, Tripura, on December 19.
The result also qualifies Nagaland to play in the National Games, which are scheduled to be held in 2027 in Meghalaya.
Tripura took an early lead through Dewasish Rai in the 17th minute from a free kick, before Nagaland’s Laiwang Bohham equalised in the 53rd minute.
The Santosh Trophy final round will feature 12 teams – the top team from each of the nine zonal groups, last year’s defending champion and runner-up, and this year’s host Assam.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Coach Lavoriyi said, “Tripura is not a weak team. They are much better than last year, I was told. They had some errors in the previous game so they lost the earlier matches otherwise they are a very good team.”
He added, “This time, I also tried some fresh players to see how they handle the pressure and all, so that shook the play a bit but we bounced back.”
On the final rounds, scheduled next January, he said, “During the zonal round, we had very tough teams. Final rounds will be very tough. Our players, most of them are below 25, so with the right training and preparation, I am confident with my boys.”
