Mohun Bagan and Sambalpur Football Academy registered a one goal win each to take on each other in the submit clash of the 1st ONGC Himachal Pradesh Youth Football Festival at Nahan today.
Mohun Bagan overcame Mahalpur Football Academy in a heavily contested 1st Semi-final by a solitary goal off Depankar in the 45th minute of the game. With the battle restricted on the midfield, with physical strength taking over skills, both the team created few chances. However, towards the end, the Punjab side went all-out attacking and had the Bengal youngsters lining up in their box.
In the 2nd semi-final, Sambalpur ripped of an all-Kolkata final when they defeated Prayag United SC again by a solitary goal. Doman Marandi scored just at the stroke of the half-time to give his side the numerical as well as the psychological edge.
The 2nd half produced some attacking football from both side. But the athletic goalkeepers prevented any further damages as Sambalpur came out the winner after the regulation time.
Meanwhile, Sirmour Blue lifted the Himachal Pradesh State championship trophy having defeated SAI Football Academy, Kangra 2-0 to become the U-14 champions of the state. In the final, Amit scored both the goals for the host, penetrating the SAI defence in the 4th minute to give his side the lead. In the 20th minute, he scored his second.
Earlier in the semi-final played in the morning, SAI Kangra defeated DFA Solan 4-0 to set up the final against host Sirmour Blue, who defeated DPS Solan 4-2.
(Himachal Pradesh Football Association Press Release)