West Bengal beat Services, march into Santosh Trophy final

In the second half, Services fought back, reducing the margin in the 53rd minute when substitute Bikash Thapa scored. The goal dramatically shifted the momentum in Services' favour, and their resurgence was evident as they pressed to score again

Hyderabad: West Bengal beat defending champions Services 4-2 to reach the final of the 78th Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy at GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad, on Sunday.

The win marked West Bengal’s 47th appearance in the tournament’s final, which they have won a record 32 times. West Bengal showed their intent right from the start, with Manotos Maji opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Robi Hansda and Naro Hari Shrestha added two more in quick succession during injury time, giving Bengal a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

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In the second half, Services fought back, reducing the margin in the 53rd minute when substitute Bikash Thapa scored. The goal dramatically shifted the momentum in Services’ favour, and their resurgence was evident as they pressed to score again.

They did so in the 74th minute when a teasing cross from the right was turned into his own net by West Bengal defender Juwel Ahmed Mazumder, setting the stage for a tense finale. However, West Bengal’s Robi sealed the victory with his second goal, and his 11th of the tournament, in the 90+6th minute.

Results: Semifinal: West Bengal 4 (Manotos Maji 16’, Robi Hansda 45+2’, 90+6’, Naro Hari Shrestha 45+4’,)bt Services 2 (Bikash Thapa 53’, Juwel Ahmed Mazumder (OG) 74’).