Date:04/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/04/stories/2009010455611400.htm

Sport - Football

Semifinalists spotted

TIRUCHI: Madurai and Chennai took contrasting routes to book their semifinal berths in the State youth football championship for the A.G. Subbaraman Trophy here.

On Saturday, Madurai won a penalty shootout 3-1 against Kanyakumari, after the teams were locked 0-0 at the end of regulation time, while Chennai defeated Tuticorin 3-1.

In Sunday’s semifinals, Madurai will take on Chennai host while Tiruchi will play Dindigul.

In the other quarterfinal fixture, Chennai proved to be the better side against Tuticorin. Venkatesh scored twice (10th and 15th minute) to give Chennai a 2-0 lead, but Selvaraj reduced the margin before half time.

Abishek’s strike in the 66th minute settled the issue beyond doubt.