Orkay, CR in final

MUMBAI, March 6: It was goalkeepers8217; day at the Cross Maidan as Central Railway defeated Goan Sports Association 5-4 and Orkay got past Tatas 3-1 to enter the final of the Veterans Football tournament.

Both semifinals were decided by the penalty shootout with Orkay8217;s custodian Shekhar Bangera performance being the highlight of the day. Bangera brought off two beautiful saves during the tie-breaker against Tatas. Despite a stretch in his thigh muscle, he dived full to his right to save John Alphonso spot-kick. He then dived to his left to thwart Gilbert Lobo8217;s attempt from Tatas8217; fourth attempt.

For Orkay, Jaya Salian, Remy Fernandes and AK Banerjee converted their spot-kicks while Poly Creado shot wide. Camillo D8217;Silva was the lone scorer for Tatas. Orkay controlled the game and attacked from the start, forcing Tatas into defence. Internationals Arthur Pereira and Bernard Pereira worked hard to score but Tatas8217; custodian Bandya Kakade denied them success. Orkay, their mid-field ably assisted by thedefence, failed to put away a fine opportunity when AK Banerjee shot straight into Bandya8217;s hands.