Wed Jan 01 04:18:31 UTC 2025: ## Bengal Wins Santosh Trophy After Last-Minute Goal Against Kerala
Hyderabad: West Bengal clinched their 33rd Santosh Trophy title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kerala in a thrilling final match at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The winning goal, scored by Robbie Hansda in the 94th minute, came during injury time, breaking Kerala’s hearts and securing a sweet revenge for Bengal after their penalty shootout defeat to Kerala in 2022.
The match, which was Bengal’s 47th Santosh Trophy final and Kerala’s 16th, was a tense affair with both teams creating numerous chances throughout regulation time. Despite several promising attacks from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock in the first half. The second half saw continued pressure from both teams, with Kerala coming close on several occasions but thwarted by a resolute Bengal defense.
Hansda, the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals, proved to be the match-winner. He capitalized on a defensive error during injury time, slotting the ball past the Kerala goalkeeper to secure the victory and the Golden Boot award.
Kerala’s captain had a late free-kick opportunity following a Bengal goalkeeping error, but his shot was off target. The narrow victory marked Bengal’s 33rd Santosh Trophy title, while Kerala suffered their ninth final defeat.
First Piper 