Santosh Trophy: Final Round to Have Expanded Knockout Stage Starting in February – News18

A complete of 12 groups have been divided into two teams in the ultimate spherical of the Santosh Trophy to be held in February-March subsequent 12 months, with the highest 4 sides from every pool progressing into the quarterfinals.

For the primary time since its inception in 1941, the Santosh Trophy shall be held in Arunachal Pradesh and, as per the brand new format, the match will see an expanded knockout stage, “with the top-four teams from each group progressing to the quarterfinals,” mentioned All India Football Federation (AIFF) in a press release on Thursday.

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The taking part groups embody six group-stage winners — Goa, Delhi, Manipur, Assam, Services and Maharashtra –, three finest second-positioned groups — Kerala, Mizoram and Railways –, and three computerized qualifiers — hosts Arunachal Pradesh, final season’s champions Karnataka and finalists Meghalaya.

The dates for the match have tentatively been fastened from February 21 to March 9.

AIFF appearing secretary-basic M Satyanarayan M. mentioned after the draw that it’s going to be a particular version because the match shall be held in Arunachal Pradesh for the primary time.

Final Round Draw:

Group A: Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Goa, Assam, Services, Kerala.

Group B: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Manipur, Mizoram, Railways.

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – PTI)