Manvir Singh heroics help West Bengal to lift Santosh Trophy for 32nd time

Bambolim : Football powerhouse West Bengal extended its domination in the premier domestic football tournament by lifting the Santosh Trophy for the 32nd time.

 

Manvir Singh was hero of the finals when he struck in 119th minute against Goa.

Entering the title clash on the back of some impressive outings, Manvir was kept quite for a major part of the match but, with barely seconds to go for the final whistle, he found the target with a stunning left-footer, having received a pass from Shaikhom Ronald on the left.

Playing in front of a vociferous home crowd, five-time winners Goa tried their best and controlled the match, but ran out of steam in the extra time. The hosts had their chances to score but the rival keeper pulled off some great saves.

West Bengal, thus, ended a six-year wait having last won the title in 2011. Goa last won it in 2009.

 

Goa, who had host the tournament thrice, lost to West Bengal in the semifinal in 1972 and the final in 1996, while winning against Kerala in 1990.