West Bengal, Kerala seek to conquer final frontier of Santosh Trophy
West Bengal vs Kerala: Clash for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25
The grand finale of the 78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 is set to take place at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. After a month and a half of intense competition and 87 matches, West Bengal and Kerala will face off in what promises to be an exciting match.
Historic Rivals
West Bengal, a dominant force in Indian football, is preparing for its 47th final, having won the Santosh Trophy 32 times. Kerala, on the other hand, is no stranger to success, with seven titles to their name and recent victories over Bengal in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 finals.
Coaches' Perspectives
Bengal's head coach, Sanjoy Sen, emphasizes the importance of winning, stating, "Reaching the final means nothing unless we win the trophy." Kerala's coach, Biby Thomas Muttath, shares similar sentiments, viewing the Santosh Trophy as a "World Cup" for Kerala.
Key Players
Kerala's attacking strength is evident with players like Naseeb Rahman, Muhammad Ajsal, and Sajeesh E leading the charge. Bengal relies heavily on Robi Hansda and Naro Hari Shrestha for goals. Despite this, Sen is confident in his team's ability to score.
Anticipated Showdown
Both teams have shown exceptional form, with Kerala scoring 35 goals and Bengal 27 in the tournament. The final is expected to be a tightly contested match, with both teams eager to claim the trophy.
Head-to-Head
| Matches Played | West Bengal Wins | Kerala Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 15 | 9 | 8 |
Doubts Revealed
Santosh Trophy
The Santosh Trophy is a prestigious football tournament in India where different states compete against each other. It is named after the late Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh.
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in eastern India known for its rich culture and history. It has a strong tradition in football and has won the Santosh Trophy 32 times.
Kerala
Kerala is a state in southern India famous for its beautiful landscapes and backwaters. It is also passionate about football and has won the Santosh Trophy seven times.
GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium
The GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium is a sports stadium located in Hyderabad, India. It hosts various sports events, including football matches.
Sanjoy Sen
Sanjoy Sen is the coach of the West Bengal football team. He is responsible for training the players and making strategies for the matches.
Biby Thomas Muttath
Biby Thomas Muttath is the coach of the Kerala football team. He guides the team and helps them prepare for important matches like the Santosh Trophy final.
Robi Hansda
Robi Hansda is a key player for the West Bengal football team. He plays an important role in helping his team win matches.
Naseeb Rahman
Naseeb Rahman is a key player for the Kerala football team. He is known for his skills and contributes significantly to his team's performance.
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