Nagaland’s campaign in the 79th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2025-26 Final Round ended on Wednesday as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uttarakhand in Group A at the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium. Skipper Laiwang Bohham had given Nagaland an early lead in the 7th minute, heading home from a curling cross by Bapen Yimjong. The goal briefly lifted hopes of a comeback, but Uttarakhand responded strongly in the second half.
Ajendra Singh equalised in the 55th minute after a well-placed free-kick from Hitik Walia found him unmarked in the box. Just two minutes later, Nirmal Singh Bisht put Uttarakhand ahead with a firm left-footed strike following a long throw from Rajender Singh Bairola. Despite several attempts to regain control, Nagaland could not find a way past Uttarakhand’s organized defence. The loss confirmed Nagaland’s elimination from the tournament with one group match remaining.
Earlier in Group A, Assam celebrated their first win. Assam defeated Rajasthan 3-0 at the same venue, with goals from Pragyan Gogoi, Pranjal Bhumij, and Akrang Narzary. Meanwhile, defending champions West Bengal were held 1-1 by Tamil Nadu in Silapathar. Nandha Kumar Ananthraj had put Tamil Nadu ahead in the 61st minute, but Sujit Sadhu’s header in the 81st minute secured a draw for West Bengal.
Nagaland, with just one point from four matches, finish at the bottom of the table, while Uttarakhand and Assam keep their hopes alive for a top-four finish. West Bengal maintain their lead with ten points, followed by Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Nagaland.
Nagaland’s young squad showed glimpses of attacking promise, especially through Laiwang Bohham and Bapen Yimjong, but defensive lapses and second-half pressure proved decisive in their campaign exit.
