Kolkata, January 28: North 24 Parganas secured a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory over JHR Royal City Malda Murshidabad in the first leg of Semi-Final 1 of the Bengal Super League, producing a firmed defensive display to take an advantage into the return fixture Wednesday afternoon at East Bengal Ground.
JHR Royal City began the match on the front foot and created the first major chance in the 37th minute. Junain unleashed a powerful on target long-range effort that, but the North 24 Parganas goalkeeper pulled off a stunning save to deny to keep the score level.
The pressure continued after the break. In the 58th minute, JHR won a free kick, and Amil Naim cleverly picked out Junain with a lay-off inside the box from the left. Junain’s attempt was well saved by Suraj Ali, and Salman was quick to react to the rebound, but North 24 Parganas defence cleared their lines under pressure.
Against the run of play, North 24 Parganas found the breakthrough in the 60th minute. A counter-attack saw Kuntal Pakhira drive into the box, beating Sukhchand Kisku before being fouled by Amil Naim while attempting another cut inside. The referee pointed to the spot, and Aidara stepped up to convert the penalty, handing North 24 Parganas a 1–0 lead.
JHR Royal City responded with sustained pressure, pressing high and committing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence nearly paid off in the 89th minute when substitute Ale Junier found the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Alfas in the build-up.
North 24 Parganas held firm through the closing moments to preserve their slender advantage. With this result, they head into the second leg with confidence, while JHR Royal City will look to overturn the deficit when the tie resumes at the Kalyani Stadium on 30th January.
Bengal Super League 2025-26: JHR Royal City FC vs North 24 Parganas FC 1st Semi Final highlights
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