2018-02-13 09:40:45pm

Army Blue confirms semi final berth after a tight battle

In the thrilling last quarterfinal match of the 13th Sukuna Gold Cup Army Blue defeated Royal FC 7-6 in sudden death played at Sukuna Ground. Both sides played 1-1 draw in the regulation time.

The two sides were the finalist in the recently concluded 5th Kurseong Saheed Cup wherein Army Blue lost Royal FC. The Army took the revenge today beating Siliguri side to book the semifinal berth in the 13th Sukuna Gold Cup.

Army Blue had the chance to take the lead in the 10th minute when Sujit received the left flank cross at the edge of the box but failed to keep his shot on target. Three minutes later Royal´s Krrish received the ball from Lhendup but the African tall guy lost the ball under pressure.

Both sides displayed some good attacking and counterattack on each other´s territory but could not end the goal drought at the break.         

                 

The second half witness the similar attacking football either side.

Royal FC broke the deadlock in the 54th-minute counter-attack. Karan received the long clearance at the midfield who plays towards the right wing for Lhendup  Bhutia. Bhutia runs further deep and places a perfect cross inside the box, Army keeper fails to collect and Timo positioned perfectly to head tap the ball at the back of the net.

Three minutes later Army created to move with Narjery rolling the ball forward and playing in for Ajit Singh at the edge of the box but Timo comes in to rescue his team from danger.

At an hour mark, Ajit Singh scored a brilliant goal with his powerful shot on the run to bring in the equalizer for Army Blue. Ten minutes later Adarsh Tamang curling shot from the distance just went inches above the crossbar making everyone utter DAMMIIII!

With scoreline at one all at the end of regulation time match headed for the penalty shootout. The first five shot was ended in 4-4 tie taking the game further to sudden death.

Army Blue came victorious 7-6 in sudden death winning the match 1(7) -1(6) to confirm their semi-final berth against United Darjeeling to be played on 15th February.

Afjal Ansari was adjudged the Man of the Match.

The first semifinal will be played between SAIL Football Academy and North Bengal Armed Police tomorrow the 14^th February.

              

 

Army Blue take the revenge beating Royal FC Kurseong Saheed Gold Cup champions Royal FC, confirms semi final berth of the 13th Sukuna Gold Cup