Gangtok, Oct 20 (UNI) Titanium today sailed into the semis of 30th All India Governor's Gold Cup football tournament, getting better of New Delhi Heroes 2-1 at Paljor Stadium here.
With both teams locked 1-1 at the lemon break, Titanium skipper Usman scrambled past his marker to direct a cross into the net in the 55th minute of the match to clinch the semis berth for his team (2-1).
Titanium winger Rajeev provided the cross after a fine run down the right flank.
Stung by the goal, New Delhi Heroes went all out to restore parity, but in vain, thanks to robust defence by the Keralamen, especially by bulky stopper Shabeer.
It was Shabeer, who gave the lead to the Kerala side in the 16th minute when his freekick from near the centre line was let in by New Delhi goalkeeper Joby Joesph. The goalkeeper mistimed and dived over the shot gifting the Kerela side the lead (1-0).
New Delhi Heroes came back to the game in the dying minutes of the first half. Shabeer needlessly tripped New Delhi Heroes striker Itaeu in the box resulting in a penalty, which was promptly converted by Manoj Joshi.
However, Titanium coach Rajee Kumar had the last laugh over his former rival Cheema Okerie, who was the coaching the New Delhi Heroes.
Titanium would now vie with formidable Army XI in the first semi-final match on October 22.
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