Kolkata, February 3: Defending champions Bengal’s title defence came to an end as they went down 3–2 on penalties against Services after a tense, goalless quarter-final at Dhakuakhana Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The match remained scoreless through regulation time and extra time, with both sides struggling to impose rhythm or create clear-cut chances. Despite pressing high up the pitch, neither team managed to play fluent football, resulting in an unrythmic contest that failed to properly test the goalkeepers.
In the 60th minute, Rabi earned a free-kick from a promising position just outside the box. However, the effort taken Chaku Mandi was deflected by the Services wall, summing up Bengal’s inability to find a cutting edge in the final third.
West Bengal came closest to breaking the deadlock in the dying moments of stoppage time. In the 90+5th minute, Bijay Murmu sent in a low cross from the right towards the second post, but unmarked Sayan Banerjee misplaced the ball, squandering what could have been a decisive winner.
With neither side able to find the net, the quarter-final was decided by penalties. Services clinch a 3–2 shootout victory and seal their place in the semi-finals.
Samuel scored for Services, while Chaku Mandi missed for West Bengal. Tamang’s shot was saved by Bengal keeper Gourab and Karan Rai’s effort was stopped by the Services goalkeeper. Vijay Marhandi then scored for Services, Shyamal Besra replied for West Bengal, and Vijay’s next attempt was again saved by Gourab. Robi Hansda made it 2–2, but Abhishek Pawar scored for Services before Narohari missed, as Services won the shootout 3–2.
The defeat marked a painful reversal for West Bengal, who had knocked Services out in last season’s semi-final on their way to lifting the Santosh Trophy. This time, it was Services who had the final say, ending Bengal’s 2025–26 journey at the quarter-final stage.
Throughout the campaign, Sanjoy Sen’s side showed defensive solidity and control in phases but struggled badly in front of goal. The lack of clinical finishing and failure to convert chances proved costly once again in the knockout stage, ultimately bringing the curtains down on the champions’ title defence.
Santosh Trophy 2026: West Bengal vs Services highlights
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