Bengal trounce Karnataka 6-1, to take on Mizoram in final

Chennai, Oct 26 (UNI) In a repeat of last year's final, runners up Bengal set up a title clash with holders Mizoram, outplaying Karnataka 6-1 in the second semifinal of the 29th Sub-junior National Football Championship at the Nehru Stadium here today.

Bengal, who are now a step away from wresting the title from the equally strong Mizoram, owed their victory to sterling performances from Ajay Mullick (3 goals) and Arijit Basak(two goals).

The Bengal boys, who were up 3-0 at half time, had a rousing start with Arijit finding the net just two minutes into the contest. Mithun Saha increased the lead in the 15th minute while Ajay made it 3-0 two minutes later with a fine shot.

Crossing over the young Bengal tigers continued their onslaught on the Karnataka defence as Ajay Mullick found the target again in the 68th minute. Arijit swelled the lead to 5-0 banging home again in the 75th minute.

Karnataka managed to score their only goal through Sanju Kumar in the 87th minute. Bengal signed off in style as Ajay struck his third goal in the match almost on the long whistle (90th minute), to complete the tally for his team.

In the first semi final, Mizoram made it to the final after struggling to beat Arunachal Pradesh 4-3 via the tie breaker. The teams were tied 2-2 in the regulation time.

The final will be played on October 28 after a day's rest tomorrow.

UNI VV AY RN1751