Army XI Bengaluru sailed into the semifinals of the 3rd All India Football Tournament after defeating Assam Regimental Centre (ARC), Shillong 6-4 in the tie-breaker at the Moinul Haque stadium, here today.
ARC surged ahead in the 17th minute when forward R Lal successfully converted a long pass from Kishen Singh. The lead was maintained till the end of the first half.
In the second half, the ARC team combined well with short passes and increased pressure on the opponent goalpost, but all opportunities went in vain due to poor finishing moves.
The Army XI equalised with a goal by S Singh just a minute before the final whistle.
With the second half ending on equal scores, both teams slugged it out in the extra time. With no result coming, the referee decided to introduce penalty shootout.
The Army boys pumped in all five goals. Banlal Peka, S Singh, Sanjay Rana, Harjeet Singh and Ramu V were the scorers.
ARC could manage to put in just three goals.
