Manvir hands Bengal record 32nd crown
New Delhi, March 26: West Bengal claimed their record-stretching 32nd Santosh Trophy riding on a late extra-time strike from Manvir Singh beating hosts Goa 1-0, to extend their domination in the premier domestic football tournament in Bambolim on Sunday.
After a barren 90 minutes, Manvir scored in the penultimate minute of extra time to gift Bengal their first title since 2011 while shocking the home crowd. Goa hosted the tournament for the first time since 1996 when they were beaten by Bengal in the final.
Manvir approached the match on the back of some impressive performances and despite being lively throughout, was unable to score. Till the 119th minute, when he found the target with a stunning leftfooter, having received a pass from Shaikhom Ronald on the left.
Five-time winners Goa ran out of steam in the extra time. The hosts had their chances but the goalkeeper pulled off some great saves.
Goa last won it in 2009. Goa, who had host the tournament thrice, lost to West Bengal in the semi-final in 1972 and the final in 1996, while winning against Kerala in 1990.
Goa’s Liston Colaco, who scored a brace against Kerala in their semi-final, had the first try at the goal but his well- directed shot missed the target narrowly.
Aaren D’Silva, who was a constant threat with his deceptive play, too missed out on a goal as early as the sixth minute.
Six minutes later, he had a glorious chance to score from inside the box but could not connect.
Thereafter, it was a cagey affair with both teams almost going through the motion.
The story was quite similar in the extra time as the teams failed to break the deadlock till Manvir’s effort.