Bihar began their campaign on a winning note by defeating Jharkhand through a second-half solitary goal in the inaugural tie of the 69th Santosh Trophy (East Zone) here today.
Samant Kumar of Bihar scored the all important goal at the 78th minute when he received a cross from the left flank during a counter attack and converted it, sealing the fate of Jharkhand.
Earlier, the first half saw a keen contest as neither of the sides allow the other to take upper hand though both sides made a couple of moves but missed the target at the Gopal Maidan encounter.
Jharkhand mounted pressure and dominated the mid-field after the breather but could not convert the opportunities that came their way.
Bihar then regrouped and raided continuously at the hosts citadel. Jharkhand, however, was awarded a spot kick against the run of the game when a foul was committed by a Bihar defender in the penalty box.
Bihar goalkeeper Amit Banik, who was exceptionally good under the bar throughout the proceedings, saved the penalty brilliantly.
