It's all over at the Howrah Municipal Stadium as the defending champions walk home with a comfortable 3-0 win. Bengal kicked off their title defence in style against Manipur and have established their dominion in the tournament. Sumit Das's double brace set up the hosts comfortably at the end of the first half. The final nail in the coffin was put by Vidyasagar late in the second half, as Manipur struggled to pull back anything.
Despite missing out on key players, the 32 times champion has started on a strong note and will be keen to keep the momentum, going forward. For the Highlanders, they have a lot to look into as they aim to turn around their fortunes in the next fixture.
It's all over for Manipur as Bengal extends their lead to 3 goals. Brilliant work by Sujay Dutta and a poor clearance from Manipur finds Vidyasagar in space as his strike puts the ball in the back of the net.
74' A strong headed clearance by Bengal defender to award Manipur a throw-in but the attack is defended by Bengal by pushing the ball back to their keeper
71' Ankit Mukherjee's through ball is cleared by Manipur defence for a corner. Tirthankar takes the corner for Bengal but the set-piece is headed clear by Manipur for a Bengal throw-in
58' Not much happening with only exchange in possession in the midfield. Manipur trying hard to get a breakthrough, but Bengal's defence is too hard to penetrate
56' Vidyasagar Singh on the attack but he gives in a foul and Manipur on the attack and Ranajit dives to thwart any danger and prevent Manipur from reducing the margin.
51' Manipur try to turn on the pressure on Bengal with an ambitious attempt. Jiteshwar Singh with a shot but the Bengal goalkeeper collects it with ease
49' Chanceee!! Bengal not looking to rest easy as they press forward. A darting cross by Vidyasagar from the right flank but the side volley goes begging
48' Another a throw-in for Bengal from Tanmoy Ghosh but a resilient defending by Manipur sets them up for a counter attack but the visitors squander the chance.
It has been an intriguing contest of football but Bengal has clearly looked the better team in this half. The goalline speaks for itself as the home side leads by 2 goals, courtesy Sumit Das's double brace.
Manipur has enjoyed sporadic chances and will need to be more clinical in the next half if they fancy any comeback in the game.
45+1' A promising attack by Manipur right on the brink of half-time and suddenly the Bengal defence looks vulnerable though the ball is safely gathered by Bengal goalkeeper
41' Pulamte on the attack for Manipur and he's fouled and a freekick just outside the penalty area for Manipur to reduce the margin before half time but the shot just goes wide.
35' Bengal with consecutive attacks on the Manipur goal. Striker Sumit Das finds the ball from a Manipur clearance as he runs in to complete his hattrick but cannot control the speed, as the ball goes out for a goal kick.
34' Chanceee!! Freekick for Bengal in a lucrative area as they fancy a third goal. A well-timed delivery into the box but is taken off the goal line by the Manipur defence. Corner for Bengal
30' The Bengal team is maintaining a strong backline to deny Manipur any chances. A brilliant run by the visitors and a wonderful cross down the centre but the danger is cleared by Bengal
19' Bengal looking comfortable with the two-goal cushion as they are happy to play the ball around. They have looked the stronger team so far as they establish their dominion by controlling the pace of the game.
16' Offside Manipur wins a throw in but is intercepted by Bengal who looks to change it into a quickfire a counter. However, the forward ball to striker Sumit Das is hauled offside as the linesman raises his flag
Bengal doubles their lead, as Sumit Das takes his tally to two in the match. Goal kick for Manipur but the ball is snatched away by Bengal and Vidyasagar's cross is headed in by Das
11' Manipur takes control of the ball on the centre line and passes the ball back to the keeper and Bengal through Vidyasagar down the right flank but intercepted by Manipur defense
