Kolkata, January 30: Ramirez Barreto’s Howrah Hooghly Warriors secured their place in the Bengal Super League final after a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Mehtab Hossain’s Sundarban Bengal Auto FC in the second leg of the semi-final at the East Bengal/Aryan Ground on Friday afternoon. With a 4–3 aggregate advantage from the first leg, the Warriors advanced despite intense pressure and drama in the return fixture.
The match began at a high tempo, with Sundarban Bengal Auto FC showing early attacking intent. In the 18th minute, Abhilash was out of position, allowing Richmond Kwasi to place a dangerous effort towards goal. However, Manotosh Chakladar produced a crucial goal-line clearance, denying Sundarban a breakthrough.
Howrah Hooghly Warriors responded before halftime. In the 43rd minute, a well-delivered free-kick sent a long ball into the box, where Paulo Cezar attempted a close-range finish, but the Sundarban Bengal Auto FC keeper pulled off a brilliant save.
The second half saw Sundarban increase the pressure. In the 51st minute, substitute Rahul Dowary delivered a precise cross from the right, finding Raghav Gupta inside the box. The attacker found himself in a promising position but missed a golden opportunity, firing his effort off target.
Tensions arise further in the 73rd minute when Paulo Cezar went on another attacking run. Suleman’s timely prevented the striker from scoring, sparking heated scenes on the field. The situation passed, and amid the confrontation, Sundarban Bengal Auto FC goalkeeper coach Subhasish Roychowdhury was shown a red card, reportedly for his words during the altercation. In the last quarter Raghav Gupta managed to find the net for Sundarban but in the built-up play the ball seemed crossed the line, the score disallowed.
The closing stages were marked by intense attacking football, physical battles, but neither side managed to break the deadlock. With this result, Howrah Hooghly Warriors progressed to the Bengal Super League final, riding on their first-leg advantage.
Meanwhile, the semi-final marked the end of an impressive campaign for Richmond Kwasi, who spent an outstanding attacking journey throughout the league. He scored 11 goals and held the top scorer position for a long period. However, with Sundarban Bengal Auto FC’s exit at the semi-final stage, his Golden Boot challenge came to an end. Fellow striker Paulo Cezar, also on 11 goals, now has the opportunity to move ahead in the final.
A gripping semi-final, filled with drama, and intensity, in the end belonged to the Howrah Hooghly Warriors, who now stand one step away from the title, as JHR Royal City Malda Murshidabad are waiting.
Bengal Super League 2025-26: Sundarban Bengal Auto FC vs Howrah Hooghly Warriors highlights
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