MARGAO: In a dramatic turnaround, a controversial spot-kick by striker Sunil Chhetri helped I-League champions Bengaluru FC from an embarrassing defeat as they managed to hold Sesa Football Academy in a 2-2 draw to make it into the semi-finals from Group C quarter-finals league in 127th Durand Cup football tournament, at panchayat ground, Raia, Monday.
The draw put both the teams on level points as both ended on four points each, and with the average too remained the same plus one each, Bengaluru FC (4) who scored one goal more than Sesa (3) finished at the top of the pool C and thus qualified for the semi-finals.
They will play against Salgaocar FC in the first semi-finals on November 6.
Bengaluru FC had more of the ball possession and created scoring opportunities took the lead in the 66th minute when rival defender Ponif Vaz handled an aerial ball and referee Fasil Salahudeen awarded the penalty for the visitors which Sunil Chhetri converted, sending the rival goalkeeper the wrong way.
Sesa FC who matched their rivals in the barren first half restored parity in the 79th minute when substitute Agnelo Colaco from the right took a shot at the goal which dipped in front of the rival goalmouth and eluded the Banglaore team goalkeeper.
Spurred by the equalizer, the Goans mounted tremendous pressure on the rival citadel and made it 2-1 when substitute Melwyn Fernandes from the top of the box unleashed a swerving shot which give no chance to the rival goalkeeper Pawan Kumar.
Sesa were inching towards victory but at the stroke of full time referee awarded a controversial spot-kick as Melwyn Fernandes brought down substitute John Johnson inside the penalty box.
The referee’s decision saw protest from the home team players and Melwyn, who kept on arguing with the referee and ended up with a second booking, followed by the inevitable red card.
Chhetri converted the spot-kick in sending the rival goalkeeper the wrong way to earn his team a berth in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, after the final whistle, spectators gathered outside and protested against the match referee but the Police personnel brought the situation under control.
Spectators accused the referee of lending a helping hand and giving them an unfair advantage.
