Chirag United had to fight hard for a place in the finals of the E.K.Nayanar Gold Cup as they pip Mohammedan Sporting at the last post on penalties ( 4-3) after both the teams were struck at 1-1 draw in the regulation time in the first semi-finals played at the Jawahar Stadium, Kannur here on Sunday evening.
Chirag Brazilian recruit Josimar da Silva carried his impressive form and put his side in front in the 28th minute. The Kolkata outfit enjoyed a better ball possession in the first half in comparison to their local rivals.
On the other hand, Mohammedan was not to throw in the towel and came back strongly in the second half to level the terms through Eduardo in the 73rd minute. Both the team did try to outclass for the later part of the match but failed to notch up the winner as the match headed for penalty shoot-out.
Chirag United kept their cool and emerged victorious converting four from the spot, while Mohameddan managed to find the net on three occasions.
In the second semi-finals, Viva Kerala will take on Shillong Lajong F.C on Monday.
Source: AIFF
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Sunday 21 February 2010, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.