Football
Santosh Trophy: Clash of titans awaits as Kerala and West Bengal set up summit showdown
With their unbeaten run intact, the seven-time champions Kerala sealed their spot in the final alongside West Bengal.
Kerala and West Bengal qualify for the Santosh Trophy final(Photo credit: AIFF)
Kerala and West Bengal have secured their spots in the final of the 78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy after impressive victories in the semi-finals on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
In the first semi-final, West Bengal triumphed 4-2 over defending champions Services in a thrilling encounter at Gachibowli Stadium.
West Bengal dominated the first half, leading 3-0 at the break with goals from Manotos Maji (16’), Robi Hansda (45+2’), and Naro Hari Shrestha (45+4’).
Services fought back in the second half with goals from Bikash Thapa (53’) and an own goal from West Bengal’s Juwel Ahmed Mazumder (74’). However, Hansda completed his brace in injury time (90+6’) to seal the win for West Bengal.
This victory secured them a spot in their 47th Santosh Trophy final, where they will now face Kerala.
In the second semi-final, Kerala outclassed Manipur 5-1 in a dominant display.
Kerala struck first with Naseeb Rehman’s 22nd-minute goal, after a brilliant through ball from Muhammed Riyas.
Manipur responded with a penalty in the 30th minute, converted by Shunjantan Ragui after a handball by Nijo Gilbert.
However, Kerala regained the lead in injury time of the first half when Muhammed Ajsal backheeled a low cross from Riyas into the net.
The second half saw Kerala take control. Substitute Muhammad Roshal PP sealed the win with a stunning long-range strike in the 73rd minute, making it 3-1.
Roshal completed his hat-trick with two more goals, one from the penalty spot in injury time, to give Kerala a commanding 5-1 victory. Despite this, Kerala faced a setback when defender Manoj M received a second yellow card, leaving them a man down towards the end.
Kerala and West Bengal will now meet in the final in what promises to be an exciting clash between two of the tournament’s most successful teams.
West Bengal, with 32 titles to their name, will be aiming for a record-extending 33rd victory, while Kerala seeks to lift the trophy for the first time in years.
The stage is set for a thrilling final to determine the 2024 Santosh Trophy champion.
