Kolkata, January 28: Howrah Hooghly Warriors claimed victory in a goal-scoring storm, defeating Sundarban Bengal Auto FC 4–3 in the second semi-final of the Bengal Super League at the Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday evening. In a breathless encounter filled with momentum swings, penalties, and individual brilliance, the Warriors stood tall to take a slim advantage into the second leg.
Sundarban Bengal Auto FC showed early attacking intent. In the 16th minute, a low cross from the left found Richmond inside the box after Faiaz failed to clear. Richmond went one-on-one with the keeper from close range but failed to capitalise, missing a golden opportunity.
Howrah Hooghly Warriors responded strongly. Paulo Cezar earned a free kick in the 25th minute, and the resulting delivery found him unmarked inside the box. However, his free header went wide.
The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Swarup Das made a clever run into the box and was brought down by the Sundarban defence. Paulo Cezar stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to give Howrah Hooghly Warriors a 1–0 lead.
In the last minute of the stoppage time of the first half at 45+4th, Howrah Hoogly warriors double their lead. A cut-back from the right found David inside the box, he failed to connect, but Paulo Cezar made no mistake, doubling the lead and scoring his 10th goal of the season.
Sundarban Bengal Auto FC pulled one back early in the second half after Sheila Toure fouled Dilip Oraon inside the box. Richmond converted from the spot to make it 2–1, drawing level with Paulo Cezar at the top of the scoring charts with 10 goals.
Howrah Hooghly restored their two-goal cushion in the 65th minute. Adarsh delivered a long set-piece into the eighteen yards area and Faiz Khan headed it into the net making it 3–1.
The contest refused to settle. Just seven minutes later, Faiz Khan fouled Richmond inside the box, conceding another penalty. Richmond once again converted with confidence, reducing the deficit to 3–2 and keeping Sundarban firmly in the contest.
As the match entered its final stages, Paulo Cezar delivered the decisive blow in the 88th minute. With a clean and composed finish, he completed his hat-trick to put Howrah Hooghly Warriors 4–2 ahead and move to the top of the scoring charts.
Sundarban Bengal Auto FC mounted one final push, and in the 90th minute, Shyam Kumar found space inside the box following a through ball sets the ball for Kipchen, he placed the ball into the net, making it 4–3. However, it proved too late for a complete comeback.
Despite Sundarban responding each time Howrah Hooghly Warriors took a two-goal lead, the Warriors managed the closing moments to secure a dramatic first-leg victory. Richmond Kwasi and Paulo Cezar now sit joint-top of the scoring charts with 11 goals each.
The tie remains hanging in the balance ahead of the second leg, scheduled to be played at the East Bengal Ground on January 30.
Bengal Super League 2025-26: Howrah Hooghly Warriors vs Sundarban Bengal Auto FC
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