FCI complete formalities with a 3-0 win

Not to be outdone,the ESIC team almost hit back immediately. Midfielder Shekhar Khanna fluffed an easy chance to equalise,as his meek strike was easily pouched by the FCI custodian. Four minutes from the breather, Kulbhushan squandered the chance to double the lead.

Things opened up in the second half,as ESIC,down by a goal,went searching for the equaliser. The ESIC were creating chance after chance,but were let down by finishing. Khanna shot wide,when facing an open net in the 42nd minute. Two more chances went a begging in the 46th and 49th minute.

FCI took full toll on these mistakes as they doubled the lead in the 53rd minute. Coming in as a substitute,Neeraj had a hand in both the goals,that sealed the game for the fancied FCI team. His aerial ball found TS Bisht,who dodged past two defenders and scored to double the lead. Neeraj’s 56th minute strike settled the tie.

FCI coach,Surender Kumar was delighted with his team’s effort.

“It was a good day at the field and the players delivered a satisfying effort. But we have to work much harder to compete with teams like Delhi Audit and Northern Railway,” Kumar said.

FCI (North Zone),ESIC ,AIIMS have qualified from Pool A,while Delhi Audit,Northern Railway and FCI (HQ) have confirmed their entries for the super six leg from the other pool.