West Bengal secured their spot in the Santosh Trophy final with an impressive 4-2 victory over defending champions Services on December 29, in the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium. Bengal dominated the first half, scoring three goals, while Services managed to reduce the deficit in the second half. However, Rabi Hansda’s second strike sealed the deal for West Bengal. The second semi-final, scheduled for December 29, will determine the other finalist, and the Santosh Trophy 2024 final will take place on December 31.
In the 17th minute of the match, Manotos Maji’s magical strike opened the scoring for West Bengal. Capitalizing on a missed pass by Services, he gained possession and delivered a precise right-footed ground shot on target. Both teams continued playing attacking football. In the 45+2nd minute, Bengal doubled their lead. Narohari Shrestha delivered an aerial ball from the right to Rabi Hansda, who entered the box, beat the goalkeeper, and calmly placed the ball into the net.
Within three minutes of Mantos Maji’s goal, Narohari Shrestha received the ball and made a swift run. As the goalkeeper rushed out of position, Narohari calmly placed a ground shot into the net, making it 3-0 for Bengal. Services displayed some goal-bound moves, but Bengal’s defense held strong, and much aware.
In the second half, Services’ super-sub scored their opening goal. In the 54th minute, Dilon Kharka delivered an inch-perfect cross into the box, which Bikash Thapa headed into the net, beating his marker. Services further reduced the deficit to 3-2 due to Bengal’s defensive lapse. A cross from the right entered the box, and Bengal defender Juwel Ahmed, attempting to clear the ball, inadvertently sent it into his own net.
In the humid weather of Hyderabad, the players appeared visibly fatigued, prompting both coaches to bring on substitutes. After reducing the goal margin, the defending champions adopted a highly attacking approach, putting continuous pressure on West Bengal’s defense. West Bengal, in turn, attempted some of counter-attacks. In the 90+1st minute, Services earned a corner and created a promising scoring opportunity, but Rabilal Mandi made a crucial goal-line save, which boosted West Bengal’s momentum.
In the dying moments of the match, at the 90+6th minute, Israfil Dewan’s individual brilliance secured the fourth and final goal for West Bengal. Israfil made a long run, entered the box, and drew the defender out of position. Selflessly, he passed the ball to the left side of the eighteen-yard box to Rabi Hansda, who calmly placed it into the net.
Rabi Hansda, the Man of the Match with a brace and a brilliant performance, now tops the highest goal scorer list in the ongoing Santosh Trophy, having scored his 11th goal. After this match, with an unbeaten run, Sanjoy Sen’s West Bengal secured their spot in the final after defeating Services on this Sunday afternoon.
