Football
Bengal scores in last minute to clinch Santosh Trophy title after 7 years
Robi Hansda scored a last-minute goal as Bengal defeated Kerala to clinch the 2024 Santosh Trophy title.
A goal booted in from almost a kissing distance by Robi Hansda deep into the add-on time made all the difference as West Bengal players hugged and kissed the coveted Santosh Trophy they retained after seven years defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
This was West Bengal’s 33rd title in the National Football Championship, but the emotional fillip the victory generated was not to be missed.
Hansda, a prolific striker, who scored his 12th goal in the 78th edition of the tournament and brought a dramatic change in the final, went wild with joy after scoring the match-winner and took off his shirt to celebrate that immediately called for a yellow card.
But it didn’t stop Hansda from running away with two top individual awards of the tournament – the Tulsidas Balaram Player of the Match award and the Peter Thangaraj Player of the Tournament Award.
Given the way Hansda carried his team’s responsibilities on his shoulders right from Day One of the tournament, it was perhaps impossible to think of another contender for the awards.
As the match was slowly moving towards a contest to be decided in the extra-time or through the penalty shootout, Kerala defence found itself completely off-guard when striker Manotos Maji headed forward a ball in the box in the 90+4th minute after receiving a lob from the left.
Kerala defender Adil Amal was wrong footed when Hansda, who was camping himself well inside the area, a few yards away from the goalkeeper Hajmal S, put the ball in to trigger off massive celebration in the West Bengal bench.
“So, I was aware of the pressure, but took up the challenge. We had a completely young team, but they performed in the most incredible way throughout the tournament. Kudos to my boys for doing such a great job.”
Hansda, who emerged the top scorer with a dozen goals in his pocket, said he was happy to win the trophy for the state. “That I could score the match-winner is a huge bonus for me. I dedicate this victory to my father.”
