One step away from Santosh glory

Anil Datt

Ludhiana, April 19

Skipper Harjinder Singh’s injury-time strike helped hosts Punjab overcome Goa 2-1 and enter the final of the 73rd National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

The final hurdle in Punjab’s quest for a ninth title is Services, who edged past Karnataka 5-4 on penalties in the other semifinal. Punjab will make their 16th final appearance in the tournament, their last coming in 2014-15 at the same venue. In fact, Sunday’s final will be a repeat of the 2014-15 final, which Services had won 5-4 on penalties. Punjab’s last title win had come in 2007-08, when they beat Services 1-0 in the final in Srinagar to defend their crown. Since then, Punjab’s record in the Santosh Trophy finals has not been very encouraging. They had lost 2-1 to West Bengal in the 2009-10 final in Kolkata, and to Services in Ludhiana four years ago. In contrast, Services have been the most successful side in the tournament in the last decade. Since their loss to Punjab in Srinagar, they have not lost in the final, winning the title on four occasions. 

Tight defence

To win their first title in 11 years, Punjab will have to repeat their performance, especially in defence, from their semifinal against Goa.

The home side attacked from the start, with wingers Sunny and Jaspreet Singh looking menacing with their runs and crosses. But striker Vikrant Singh, the intended target, was tightly marked.

In the 13th minute, Punjab’s tactics paid off, but it was Jaspreet who sped into the box to head in a cross from the left flank.

However, five-time champions Goa picked up their game. They started controlling possession and showed more urgency in their movements. Punjab’s defence, however, remained in control. 

In the second half, Goa further increased the intensity of their attacks. They dominated possession in Punjab’s third but the hosts shut down the gaps.

Just as it seemed the tie was lost, Goa, who made three substitutes, found the equaliser. In the 89th minute, Joachim Abranches’s shot was parried away by goalkeeper Satbir Singh. But the ball went straight to substitute Ronaldo Oliveira, who scored a simple tap-in. However, Punjab didn’t get demoralised and went forward in search of a winner. In the 91st minute, skipper Harjinder headed in a free-kick by Mohd. Asif to take his side to the final. In the second semifinal, Services took the lead in the 7th minute through Lallawmkima PC but M Nikhil Raj’s 84th-minute equaliser ensured that the match went to extra-time. However, Karnataka’s hopes of reaching their first final in 43 years were dashed in the shootout.

SEMIFINALS

• PUNJAB 2: (Jaspreet 13’, Harjinder Singh 91’) GOA 1: (Ronaldo Oliveira 89’)
• SERVICES 5-4 KARANATAKA (1-1)