Date:25/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/25/stories/2006122506101700.htm

Sport - Football

Bagan in last four

Principal Correspondent

KOLKATA : Former champion Mohun Bagan prevailed over Goa's Churchill Brothers 5-3 via tie-breaker in the last quarterfinal of the 28th Federation Cup here at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday evening.

Mohun Bagan will take on Dempo SC in the second semifinal to be played on Wednesday.

The first session revolved round the electric performance of Baichung Bhutia.

Apparently encouraged by the team's 4-1 win over Viva Kerala in the pre-quarterfinals, Mohun Bagan coach Robson Mattos opted for a three-man attack with Brazilian Jose Barreto and young Sushil Singh providing Bhutia company.

The ace striker kept the opposition defence on its toes by lacing his ball-playing skills with fine sense of opportunism. He starred in Bagan's search for the lead by releasing Barreto with a measured flick.

With the Churchill defence loosening its vigil for moment, Barreto let loose an angular shot to help the ball through a slender corridor that had opened up in the defence.

Churchill Brothers came back strongly and found the equaliser in the first minute after the break. The visitor's Moroccan coach, Karim Bencherifa, brought Khantang Paite in place of midfielder D. Raju.

Paite justified his inclusion by nodding home the leveller after Nicholas Muvoti had set him unmarked by heading along a free kick taken by Onyeka Odafa.

Fine long ranger

Chandam Singh was accurate with his 80th minute attempt and put Churchill ahead with a fine long ranger that sailed through the top angle of the Bagan goal.

With Bagan looking at an unceremonious exit, Robson introduced seasoned Dipendu Biswas in place of Sushil Singh. The decision paid off as Biswas nodded home the equaliser in the 85th minute.