BSF enter quarters

Bangalore, June 15: A goal in each session ensured that Border Security Force, Jalandhar moved into the last eight stage of the KBL Federat...

Bangalore, June 15: A goal in each session ensured that Border Security Force, Jalandhar moved into the last eight stage of the KBL Federation Cup football tournament at the Bangalore Football Stadium here today.

BSF, who made the grade at the expense of Marmagoa Port Trust, will clash with the winners of the match between Salgaocar and Mizo Highlanders which is being played at Guwahati. The quarter-final is scheduled to be held at Hyderabad on July 5.

Though MPT initiated the initial exchanges, BSF soon took charge. They forged ahead in the tenth minute through a harmless looking move in the midfield which gathered momentum. Gaurang Paul gained possession of the ball from MPT8217;s Lino Pereira and centered to Prashant Das on the left wing. After a solo run, Das8217; left-footer curved and crashed into the roof of the net catching goalkeeper John Gomes napping.

Thereafter, the game was largely confined to the midfield. MPT made two half-hearted efforts through Miguel Fernandez but on both occasions, the ball went straight to goalkeeper Saha.

Past the 30th minute, Paul and Negi combined to map out a good move but Harbinder Singh delayed taking aim. Consequently, he lost his angle and Gomes collected the ball comfortably. The securitymen kept the pressure on, with Paul twice forcing his way into the box.

Crossing over, Paul and Prashanth moved up in tandem but Prashanth this time was not in a position to receive Paul8217;s pass from the left. Paul was at it again two minutes later, giving a forward pass to Abhay Mahato, who came in for Prashant in the second session. But he was guilty of hitting over when the ball was relayed back to him.

The securitymen had to wait until the 23rd minute to increase their lead. Paul, put through by Mahato, dribbled his way up, dodged Lucian Braganza and Derek Gomes inside the box, turned round and fired past the goalkeeper.

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After these two reversals, the Port Trustmen changed gears, making several forays into the BSF territory. But their finishing left a lot to be desired. Miguel Fernanadez who got most of the ball, was guilty of shooting wide.

MPT made one more effort through Vishant Pednekar who chested a Jeetendra Bhise long pass but his effort was so predictable that deep defender Gorai despatched it out of harm8217;s way.