There was no score in the first half.
The teams displayed attacking game with Friends XI having an upper hand in the first half while Nerul dominated the second half. The crossbar came to Friends XI’s rescue on number of occasions.
Friends XI nearly opened the scoring in the very 3rd minute when Clive provided a through pass to Pundalik but the latter’s shot sailed over the bar. Again, Pundalik was the culprit, as he dogged the main defender but shot straight into the hands of the rival keeper.
At other end, Thomas and Sainath ballooned over from close range in two instances. Edberg’s try also foiled as he ran down the flank and unleashed a powerful shot but to his dismay the rival keeper collected the ball.
Post resumption, Nerul Sports Club showed the urgency in scoring the goal but missed opportunities. They nearly opened the account when Manish from the flank chipped the ball to Prasad but the latter’s shot kissed the crosspiece.
Friends XI scored the all-important goal in the 62 minute when the rival defender handled the ball in the danger zone. The referee spotted the fault and awarded a penalty kick which Amar no mistake to convert. Thomas D’Souza of Nerul Sports Club was awarded Man-of-the Match.
Friends XI will meet Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda in the final on July 26.
