Bengal start with 3-0 victory over Haryana

Kolkata: Bengal started their Santosh Trophy campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Haryana at the Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur on Saturday. Defender Totan Das put the 32-time champions ahead in as early as the third minute, setting the tone for their domination. Surajit Hansda extended the lead in the 22nd minute as Biswajit Bhattacharya’s side took control of the proceedings going into the break. Robi Hansda (53rd minute) then killed any hopes for Haryana’s comeback. Although it was a smooth sailing for their Group 4 opener, Bengal coach Bhattacharya has to deal with poor ground conditions and hectic schedule. Each day three matches will be held at the single venue — Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium, and the practice ground slotted for Bengal team is in poor conditions and may result in injuries, according to the team management sources. Moreover, each team is slated to play matches in alternate days in the group stage. On Monday, Bengal will face Daman and Diu, who lost Chhattisgarh 0-2 later the day.’s nother match.
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