Hosts Punjab defeated defending champions Mizoram 12-11 in sudden death to enter the final of the ongoing Santosh Trophy National Football Championship at the Guru Nanak Stadium here today.
Punjab opened the account in the 92nd minute when striker Manveer scored a stunning goal. Lalbiakhlua scored the equaliser for Mizoram in the 104th minute.
While the Punjab trio of Rajbir, Sarbjit and Manvir sneaked into the rival's territory on number of occasions, Mizoram custodian Lalawmpuia was equal to the task.
Mizoram too missed out on a couple of scoring opportunities.
The hosts will meet Services in the final.
After the full time ended without a goal being scored, both the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of extra time.
The teams failed to break the deadlock as they were tied 5-5 after the tie-breaker. However, it was Punjab who had the last laugh, eking out the visitors by a goal in a thrilling semifinal to make the title clash for the first time since 2009.
