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Anil Datt
Ludhiana, March 5
A brace by Raja Das helped West Bengal prevail over Maharashtra 2-1 in their group A match of the ongoing 69th National Football Tournament for Santosh Trophy here today.
After wasting a couple of chances, West Bengal took the lead through a stunner in the 35th minute. Das ran down the right flank before cutting in and unleashing a powerful grounder that took the Maharashtra custodian CK Ubaid by surprise and found the corner of goal.
Four minutes into the second half, midfielder Shabaz Pathan scored the equalizer for Maharashtra. In the 70th minute, Das scored with a header to restore West Bengal’s lead.
Midway through the second half, players indulged in rough play. Bijay Mandi of West Bengal was sent off.
With the numeric advantage, Maharashtra, the bronze medallists in the Kerala National Games, went all out to level the scores but fumbled at crucial junctures.
Tomorrow, Assam will take on Services.
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