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Goa storms into final

Sports Correspondent

Madurai: Defending champion Goa entered the final of the 17th youth (under-21) National football championship for the Dutta Roy Trophy with a 2-0 win over Punjab at the Race Course stadium here on Friday.

In the final it will be challenged by Tamil Nadu which defeated Assam 3-1. Sadeeth 6th minute, William 43rd and Manikandan through a penalty kick in the 85th minute scored for the host. Assam managed to pull one back in the 52nd minute through B. Barua.

Punjab played with vigour but its efforts proved inadequate as its forwards failed to capitalise on the chances that came its way. Goa, meanwhile, attacked as a team with every player pulling his weight in a telling manner.

It was Punjab which attacked first as Goa took time to settle down. In the eighth minute Amandeep Singh sent in a fine centre from which Baljit Singh headed in nicely. However, the Goa goalkeeper Laxmikanth Kattimani was equal to the task. Baljit Singh’s second attempt within two minutes was again well saved by Laxmikanth.

Goa soon settled down and began attacking systematically. In the 29th Joel Sequeira sent the ball over the cross bar. But a goal was imminent and in the 33rd Sequeira scored off a pass from Anthony Barbosa.

On resumption, Goa scored again through substitute Semson Fernandes who replaced Savio Fernandes.

Gabriel Fernandes sent a powerful shot at the goal which hit the upright and Semson Fernandes pounced on the rebound and shot in. This was in the 71st minute.

Saturday is a rest day and final will be played on Sunday.

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