Kolkata, December 19: Howrah Hooghly Warriors continued their impressive run in the Bengal Super League with a hard-fought 2–1 comeback victory over North 24 Parganas at the Naihati Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The Warriors began the contest with an aggressive high press, pinning North 24 Parganas deep in their own half and creating early attacking momentum. Despite the pressure, it was North 24 Parganas who struck first with a moment of individual brilliance.
In the 17th minute, Kuntal Pakhira broke the deadlock. Following a swift attacking move, Abhilash Paul rushed out of his box in an attempt to intercept but failed to win the ball. Pakhira kept his composure and, from the left side of the box, unleashed a sensational curling effort with perfect bend that sailed into the far top corner at the second post. An incredible finish gave North 24 Parganas a 1–0 lead.
Howrah Hooghly Warriors responded positively and pushed for an equaliser, which arrived just before the halftime whistle. In stoppage time at 45+3rd, Somik Koley delivered a precise cross from the right flank, and Akash Das rose highest to head the ball into the net, scoring the equaliser at 1–1 and shifting momentum back in favour of the Warriors.
The turning point of the match came in the 73rd minute. Substitute Paulo Cezar made an immediate impact, bursting into attack within moments of entering the field. North 24 Parganas goalkeeper Suraj Ali rushed out of his box and brought down Cezar in a desperate challenge. The referee showed a straight red card, reducing North 24 Parganas to ten men.
Capitalising on their numerical advantage, Howrah Hooghly Warriors found the winning goal in the 81st minute. David sent in a dangerous cross from the right, and Sahil Harizon calmly finished inside the box to make it 2–1.
Drama continued late into the game. In the 90th minute, Rajdip received his second yellow card for time-wasting and was sent off, leaving Howrah Hooghly Warriors also down to ten men. North 24 Parganas nearly snatched a dramatic equaliser in the dying moments, but Rohmingthanga’s powerful shot from inside the box in the 90+8th minute hit the crossbar, missing the target by inches.
It proved to be a moment of heartbreak for North 24 Parganas. Once again surrendering a lead, they were left ruing missed opportunities, despite playing with maximum 55% ball possession, attempting 13 shots, while Howrah Hooghly Warriors showcased resilience and character with rhythmic football to come from behind and secure their second victory of the season.
Bengal Super League: North 24 Parganas vs Howrah Hooghly Warriors highlights
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