CHANDIGARH: Indian Air Force flew past Namdhari XI by 5-4 in penalty shootout after a one-one in regulation period and will now cross swords with formidable Punjab and Sind Bank who derailed South Central Railway by 4-2 in the semi-final matches of the 46th S.N. Vohra’s All India Gurmit Memorial Hockey Tournament at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.
The final will be played tomorrow at 3 p.m.
Indian Air Forceand Namdharis were engaged in a goalless draw in the first half. On resumption Air Force drew the first blood in the 40th minute when Sanwar Ali caught the Namdhari XI defence on the wrong foot.
After conceding the goal Namdhari XI went all out and were able to neutralise the lead through Deeanshu who struck a field goal in the 53rd minute.
Tie one-all in the stipulated 70-minute session, the organisers orders for penalty shootout and Indian Air Force clinched the issue in their favour by 5-4.
In the second semi-final South Central Railway surprised hot contenders Punjab and Sind Bank with an early lead in the fifth minute through Vikas Chouwhary. Stunned with the reverses, Punjab and Sind Bank immediated launched the counter-attack and in the sixth minute neutralised the lead through Sarwanjit Singh who went on to register a three-in-a-row feat.
The bankmen maintained their pressure and fired three more goals in succession to establish a commanding 4-1 lead. Sarwanjit Singh again struck in the 17th and 21st minutes to help Punjab and Sind Bank led 3-1 at half time.
Mandeep Singh further increased the lead for the Bankmen as he caught the SC Railway defence napping in the 35th minute (4-1). Southern Railways were, however, able to reduce the margin the 42nd minute as Vikas Choudhary completed his brace with a field goal.
Tomorrow's fixture (final): Indian Air Force vs Punjab and Sind Bank at 3 p.m