Mixed day for Mumbai outfits

The 39th-minute match-winner also had an element of luck. Right-winger Deepak Sharma, whose intention was to cross the ball from the goalline, leapt in joy after Sikh Regiment goalkeeper Jaspal Singh failed to cut off the centre from a zero angle and the ball trickled into goal after grazing the ‘keeper’s pads.

Sikh Regiment, who employed the 5-3-2 formation, had a major say in the proceedings as well as goal scoring chances. In the first-half, they came by two gilt-edged chances but BPCL goalkeeper Boppana came to his side’s rescue when all seemed lost for the Mumbai side. Boppana saved good attempts by Mangraz Minz and left-winger Satnam Singh Jr.

BPCL, who were without a couple of their regulars, had a lone attempt at goal in the opening session. Former International Sabu Varkey worked his way down the middle in solitary splendour before unleashing a top-of-the-circle shot. But the effort was directed straight at goalkeeper Jaspal, who padded away the ball to safety.

In the second session, the Ramgarh side attacked in numbers especially after they fell into arrears in the 39th. But their forwards, Satnam Singh Sr., SS Bal and Mangraz Minz in particular, were foiled by the ever agile Boppana. The ‘keeper was beaten once but BPCL defender MK Prakash effected a goalline save to frustrate Palwinder Singh.

At the fag end of the game, Rajpal and Mangra Minz combined well before Rajpal broke free into the circle. But goalkeeper Boppana came up trumps after he charged out and thwarted Rajpal. With that miss in the 63rd minute went the Ramgarh side’s chance of a goal.

Earlier, BHA Colts put up a splendid show against BSF. They eventually bowed out with a goal, which came off a stroke in the 58th minute. Shinic Hereriz was the goal-getter for BSF.

SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP
Air-India vs BPCL
Indian Airlines vs BSF