Bagan make semis

The Bagan-Air Force match on the wet Salt Lake Stadium ground was a fast one with attacks and counter-attacks galore. Needing a victory, Air Force started with aggressive intentions, going on the attack from the very first minute. However, it wasBagan who got the first opportunity in the second minute of the game. Chima Okerie, lurking as always near the Air Force goal sent a cracking right-footer into goalkeeper Bancha Nunart8217;s arm.

Nunart, who had an excellent game today, did allow a couple of balls to slip out of his hands later in the match. Of course, the rain had made matters worse and the wet ball was difficult to grab. Nunart also had to work harder than Dhinesh Nayar under the Bagan bar. Although Air Force held a slight edge in the first half, it was Bagan all the way after the break. In fact, the Thailand side did not have a single attack to show in the second half.

That stood in contrast to the numerous attempts before the break. Saney Lunkeaw8217;s two long-rangers could have put Air Force ahead, but the first narrowly missed the target and the second went into Dhinesh8217;s arms. Bagan had more opportunities in the first half with Okerie and Nazimul Haque missing the target from inside the Air Force box.

In the second half, midfielderKhentang Paite and substitute Basim Yonnan created a few moves, but Haque and Okerie could not capitalise. A Basim pass in the 71st minute found Okerie hitting the bar. Paite himself missed a sitter with an open goal in the 86th minute.

Bagan medio Amit Das picked up his second yellow card of the match in the injury time and received the marching orders. He will now miss the semi-final.