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Vasco SC ends AIFF Elite Academy's perfect run

Vasco SC v AIFF Elite Academy

Vasco SC v AIFF Elite Academy

Jerose Oliviera and Agnel D’Souza were on target in each half for Vasco SC as they ended the AIFF U-19 Elite Academy’s perfect run in the preliminary semi-final of the 127th edition of the Durand Cup on Sunday at Duler Stadium.

As rain continued to lash the city, the stage was all set up for the cracker between the AIFF U-19 and Vasco SC to book their berth in final phase of Durand Cup.

Jerose Oliviera gave a good run to the money for Vasco SC in the third minute of the play, when he bagged onto the clumsy clearance by the AIFF’s goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh on edge of the penalty area and place the ball to the far post.

Malsawmzuala and Robinson Singh took a centre stage and proved as a catalyst in the AIFF’s attack. The Blue cubs enjoyed the majority of the possession but the game took the expected zonal defensive pattern with Vasco playing 4-4-1-1.

Though the AIFF colts had more ball possession for longer periods they failed to bring the rival goal keeper into the action, while the Vasco SC sat back and soaked the pressure cleverly and attempted to play on counter attack.

At the cusp of interval, Vasco’s attempt of doubling the lead left thwarted when Jerose Oliviera hit the woodwork with the superb curling attempt.

At the half time, the score was 1-0.

The AIFF U-19 sustained their forward momentum after the restart as Rakesh Oram slashed his shot agonisingly wide off the post.

In thick of the moment it was again Rakesh Oram who came closest to settle the debts for the AIFF but his low drive was kept out by the rival keeper. The AIFF colts launched series of attack but the Vasco’s rock head defense was difficult to breach.

Vasco SC piled on to the AIFF’s agony with counter attack as Agnel D’Souza busted into the AIFF attacking half latching onto the lofted ball played by Aiken Dias. The striker cleverly tapped the ball over the AIFF’s goalkeeper to damage the AIFF’s come-back hopes in the dying moments of the game.

In the second semi-final played at Duler Stadium, Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC beat Sesa FA 1-0 to advance in to the final phase of Durand Cup.

The AIFF U-19 will be contesting in the third place of the 127th edition of Durand Cup to book their berth into Final Phase against Sesa FA at Duler Stadium today October 27, 2014 at 15.30 IST.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)