Agencies
Assam
Defending champions West Bengal began their campaign in the 79th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy with a 4–0 win over Nagaland in a Group A match at the Dhakuakhana Stadium.
The 33-time champions struck early through Robi Hansda, who headed home from close range in the second minute after meeting Juweel Ahmed Mazumdar’s corner. West Bengal doubled the lead in the 32nd minute when Sayan Banerjee rose unmarked to nod in Akash Hemram’s delivery, giving Bengal a comfortable 2–0 advantage at the break.
Nagaland had a chance to reduce the margin when Manton Wangshu tested goalkeeper Somnath Dutta with a firm effort, but the rebound was wasted.
West Bengal sealed the contest after the restart. Akash Hemram made it 3–0 in the 49th minute with a composed finish at the far post after being released down the right. Substitute Aqib Nawab completed the rout in the 90th minute, tapping in from close range following a turnover in midfield.
