WEST BENGAL’S GLORY SHINES ONCE AGAIN! THE 33RD SANTOSH TROPHY IS BACK WHERE IT TRULY BELONGS.
The 78th National Football Championship, Santosh Trophy, was won by West Bengal. On December 31, at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, West Bengal snatched their 33rd Santosh Trophy title with a 1-0 victory over seven-time champions Kerala. The decisive goal came in the dying moments, scored in style by Rabi Hansda, the top scorer of this edition.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams being cautious to avoid mistakes. Bengal dominated possession and controlled the game for the first 30 minutes. In the 42nd minute, a low ball reached Robi Hansda at the edge of the box, but Adil stood strong and cleared it before it could pose a threat. Before the halftime whistle, Kerala created some chances, but Bengal’s defense remained much aware.
In the 55th minute, Kerala came close to scoring when Nijo delivered a low cross from the right wing into the six-yard box. Ajsal committed to the ball and attempted a direct shot toward the net, but it was an easy save for Sourav Samanta. Three minutes later, Kerala’s captain Sanju committed a rough foul on Manotos in a promising position just outside the box. Robi took the resulting free kick but failed to score.
In the 62nd minute, Naseeb made a rough challenge on Suprodip just inches outside the left side of the box, giving Bengal a free kick from a dangerous scoring position. However, they failed to convert it into a goal. In the 88th minute, Naseeb entered the box from the right and took a direct shot, but it was blocked by the Bengal defense. As time progressed, it seemed increasingly likely that the match would head into extra time or a penalty shootout.
But in the 6th minute of additional time at 90+3rd minute, Robi Hansda found the net, completely changing the scenario of the Santosh Trophy 2024 final, securing the trophy in the name of West Bengal. Shortly after, Bengal’s goalkeeper Sourav Samanta caused a brief moment of confusion with the ball, leading the referee to award an indirect free kick to Kerala for time-wasting. However, it did not help Kerala’s cause. Robi Hansda’s decisive strike secured West Bengal’s 33rd Santosh Trophy title tonight.
