Amarwant Singh's self goal proved costly as Dalbir Football Academy went down 1-2 to Army Green in the Preliminary Qualifying round of the 127th Durand Cup played at Signals ground, Navelim, here today.
Army Green, who have now secured their quarter-finals berth, scored through Dhanji Singh (30th) and a self goal by Dalbir defender Amarwant Singh (53rd).
Dalbir Football Academy, who were better side in the first half, pulled one back through defender Amarwant Singh (50th).
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Dalbir Academy made the early forays from the flanks and forced three corners but all went goalless.
Prabjot Singh early attempt at the goal was deflected away by rival defenders for a corner.
Thereafter, Narinder Kumar forced Army Green goalkeeper Kanwaljit Singh to tip the ball over the bar.
However, against the run of play, it was Army Green who surged ahead in the 30th minute.
Following a flag kick on the left, Ramu floated the ball into the box for Dhanji Singh, who shot home from close to have Army leading 1-0 at half time.
After changing over, Dalbir Football Academy boys equalised from a penalty in the 50th minute.
The ball hit Herojit Singh hand from a corner taken by Santosh Kumar from the right and referee awarded a penalty.
Punjab's joy was shortlived as Army Green again went into the lead from a self goal scored by Amarwant.
The goal galvanised the Army men as they made inroads more often and had couple of clear chances especially in the dying minutes.
Dhanji Singh who had an open chance with keeper out of his position failed to score as he drove the ball wide out of target.
Dalbir Academy's best chance in finding the equaliser came in the 80th minute when substitute Jagroop Singh missed an open chance infront of the goal after he got a pass from Santosh Kumar.
Army Green now meet the winner of tomorrow's match between Air Force and Tuff Laxmi Prasad in the quarter-finals on October 25.
