How Did Manipur Triumph Over West Bengal to Secure the Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy for the Third Time?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Manipur ended a 25-year title drought.
- 3-0 victory against defending champions West Bengal.
- Key players included Lourembam Naocha Singh and Amom Krish Singh.
- Strong tactical discipline led to their success.
- Match held at Guru Nanak Dev University Sports Complex.
Amritsar, July 30 (NationPress) After a 25-year wait, Manipur has successfully reclaimed the Junior Boys’ National Football Championship title for the Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy (Tier 1), triumphing over the defending champions West Bengal with a decisive 3-0 victory at the Guru Nanak Dev University Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Manipur established a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime with goals scored by Lourembam Naocha Singh (17’) and Ngayungmi Kashung (37’). In stoppage time, Amom Krish Singh sealed the match with a third goal in the 90+2 minute.
Both teams entered the final unbeaten, each having netted 13 goals throughout the tournament. However, it was Manipur’s hunger, intensity, and tactical organization that left West Bengal struggling to keep pace.
Manipur broke through early, with Khutleibam Sultan sprinting down the right flank to deliver a low cross that was perfectly controlled by Lourembam Naocha Singh, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past West Bengal goalkeeper Suva Barai.
With the momentum on their side, Manipur dictated the game's tempo through smart passing and relentless pressure, while West Bengal's attack stalled due to missed opportunities and lack of teamwork.
Manipur struck again in the 37th minute. Sultan delivered another outstanding cross, which Yumnam Sonamani headed towards goal. Although Barai managed to parry the ball, Kashung was quick to capitalize on the rebound, extending the lead to 2-0.
West Bengal, despite having the tournament's top-scorer Rajdeep Paul, struggled to find their rhythm. Paul, who had scored seven goals, was effectively contained by Manipur’s solid defense. West Bengal's best chance came in the 80th minute when Rintu Malik passed to Paul, but a crucial block from Alex Oinam thwarted the threat.
As the final moments of the match approached, Manipur added a third goal. In the second minute of injury time, Sonamani provided a clever assist to Amom Krish Singh, who calmly slotted in his sixth goal of the tournament, igniting celebrations on the Manipur bench.