West Bengal edge past defending champion Services
GOA: 31-times champion West Bengal moved atop the Group A standings after a hard-fought 1-0 win over defending champion Services at the GMC Bambolim Sports Complex in the 71st National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy.
In another match, Chandigarh left it late in stoppage time to score a 2-1 win over Meghalaya at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco.
Services, the defending champions, playing their first match in the tournament started with a strong line up with midfielder Arjun Tudu and U-21 player RK Jelison leading the attack. Talented midfielder Anoop Pauly was entrusted with the responsibility of marshalling the midfield.
On the other hand, West Bengal coach, Mridul Bannerjee, who was formerly with Vasco Sports Club, preferred a compact 4-4-2 formation with former Pune FC midfielder Mumtaz Akhtar anchoring the midfield.
After a cautious first twenty minutes, West Bengal took the lead through Moirangthem Basanta Singh. In the 22ndminute, he collected the ball after it rebounded off Services defender N. Herojith Singh and unleashed a brilliant curler from an angle leaving the goalkeeper beaten all ends up.
The match then failed to spring to life with midfield possession dominating proceedings and both teams hardly making any real forays into the opponent’s citadel.
Services came out with much purpose in the second half and started dominating proceedings from the start. First, Mohammed Irshad dribbled past a couple of West Bengal defenders but his powerful pile driver was saved by the Bengal keeper Sankar Roy.
Then in the 67th minute, a free kick from Jain P. was brilliantly kept out again by Sankar. Just when it seemed Services would pile on the pressure and sneak in an equaliser, their star midfielder Arjun Tudu was given marching orders in the 73rdminute after a push on the opponent defender earned him his second yellow card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage Anoop Pauly single-handedly tried to bring Services back on level terms with two individual efforts — a superb volley that was saved by the Bengal keeper and a shot from outside the box that hit the woodwork.
Bengal then had a brilliant chance to put the result beyond doubt in the 78th minute but Manvir Singh messed up a sitter with only the Services keeper to beat. Bengal’s numerical advantage then disappeared in the 89th minute when Monotosh Chakladar was sent off for a double booking.
Meanwhile, at the Tilak Maidan Chandigarh fought back from a goal deficit to defeat Meghalaya 2-1 to earn their first win of the tournament.
Meghalaya, who lost to Goa in their opening match, took the lead in the 51st minute through Kitboklang Pale. Chandigarh fought their way back through Gagandeep Singh in the 64th minute but just when the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Chandigarh scored the match winner in added time through Sehijpal Singh.
by Aiff media
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…