Bengal 'injury' for Kerala in Santosh Trophy final

HYDERABAD: Kerala suffered heartbreak in the Santosh Trophy final as West Bengal snatched away a late victory to be crowned the champions in the tournament for the 33rd time. In the final at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Bengal clinched the title with the goal scored in the 92nd minute of the game.

Robbie Hansda, the top scorer in the tournament with 12 goals, broke Kerala hearts with an injury-time goal. This was Kerala’s only loss in the tournament this year, but alas, it was a costly one. Despite making several strides, Kerala suffered a setback in the final due to a mistake in finishing.

Bengal won two free kicks early on but missed the target. In the sixth minute, Kerala's goal machine Naseeb's attack was meticulously thwarted by the Bengal defense. In the 11th minute, Ajsal's smashing header from Nijo Gilbert's pass flew over the crossbar. In the 22nd minute, Bengal's Robbie Hansda's goal attempt also whisked way over the top bar.

Both teams continued to create opportunities but failed to convert them into goals. Kerala goalkeeper Hajmal put up a good performance. Both teams stepped up their attacks in the second half. Ajsal missed a good chance in the 55th minute. Bengal continued to attack as the match drew to a close.

With everyone expecting the game to end in stalemate, Robbie Hansda dribbled the ball to make a close-range finish in the second minute of the six injury minutes allowed. Kerala was awarded a last-second free kick but the team failed to put it to good use.