JCT, Dempo to clash in Durand Cup final

New Delhi, Nov 25 (UNI) An extra-time strike by Chidi Edeh ensured JCT, Phagwara beat Sporting Clube de Goa 1-0 and set up a title clash against Dempo in the 119th Osian's Durand Cup football tournament here today.

Nigerian Chidi scored in the 115th minute to secure JCT's first final appearance after 1996.

Earlier, Dempo Sports Club Goa made it to their first Durand Cup final appearance with a 2-0 victory over 16-time champions Mohun Bagan in the other semi-final through goals from Brazillian Roberto Silva (20th minute) and Anthony Perreira (74th).

Just as the match was heading for penalty shoot out after a goalless regulation period and first half of extra time, substitute Sukhjinder Singh got hold of the ball from a goalkick and sent a through pass to Parveen Kumar who in turn fed Chidi inside the penalty box and the Nigerian made a first time right footed volley which crashed into the net.

Both the sides shared honours in a fast-paced first half which saw quick attack and counter attacks to the cheers of a sizeable crowd at the Ambedkar Stadium.

The Punjab side were denied by the woodwork in the 12th minute when a Parveen volley, following a deflection from a tussle between Chidi and rival defender Phillip Gomes, hit the crosspiece and the rebound was shot wide by Chidi.

Sporting evened out the scoring chance five minutes later when a Dudu shot from the top of box towards the empty goal, after the goalkeeper ran out but missed a Rajesh Meetei pass, was saved by JCT defender Baldeep Singh in front of goal.

Following a couple of Goan side's moves then saw Earnest Jeremiah missing the target from close range.

In the 42nd minute, Sporting goalkeeper Louis Barreto failed to clear a throw in by Daljit Singh from the right touchline but he recovered to fist away a Shivraj Singh dipping aerial ball towards the goal.

Both the sides slowed down the pace in the second half though play remained in the Sporting half for the most part. But, it was Sporting who nearly scored in the 90th minute when a Dudu weak header jumping over the goalkeeper was saved in front of goal by Harpreet Singh.

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