Republicans in semis

Abhay Palekar scored the match winner in the 32nd minute when Suresh Periera sent a sharp cross from the goal-line. CRMD deep defender Rabi Passi lost control and was disposessed by Periera. Periera did not miss the opportunity and went to the right to draw out Arun Gurang, the CRMD goalkeeper.

The match started at a slow pace with both teams testing the others8217; strengths. CRMD took control for the first 10 minutes but failed to threaten the Republican goal.

The first scoring chance fell to Republicans in the 21st minute when Stanley Fernandes dribbled past the CRMD defence to take a powerful shot, which went straight to the 8216;keeper.

While for the railwaymen, the first scoring chance came as late as in the 49thminute when Rizwan Khan8217;s shot from the top of the box was saved by Republican 8216;keeper.

They had another opportunity when Amrik Singh8217; on-the-run flick found the post and came back into play.