Vasco: Bengaluru FC Captain Sunil Chhetri’s heroics brace of goals guided the team to qualify for the semifinals of the 36th Hero Federation Cup as they edged Pune FC 2-1 in a Group B match being played here at Tilak Maidan on Monday.
Bengaluru scored through Sunil Chetri (43rd, 45+2 minutes). While Pune reduced the margin in the 86th minute through Thongkhosiem Haokip.
The Arjuna Awardee broke the deadlock with a world-class bicycle kick two minutes from halftime and doubled the tally from the spot in first-half injury time to help the I-League champions go into the break with their heads held high.
There was late drama though as Pune halved the deficit courtesy Thongkhosiem Haokip, who somehow got enough on the ball after a high ball was not collected neatly by BFC custodian Laithuammanwia Ralte.
Chhetri is now the topscorer in the tournament with four goals to his name from the same number of outings. Coming to his club, the Blues of India finish their group engagements with 10 points in their kitty and will now wait for their last-four opponent from Group A. Pune FC (4), on the other hand, will now take on Salgaocar (6) in a virtual quarterfinal clash.
Meanwhile, Dempo FC continued their unbeaten run and knocked Mumbai FC out of the tournament with a convincing 2-0 win and become the second team after Bengaluru FC to qualify for the semifinals of the Federation Cup at Margao on Monday. Dempo, who dominated the match, scored through Clifford Miranda (15th minute) and Romeo Fernandes (35th) to register the win in the Group A league match at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
Dempo, who is leading Group A with nine points from three matches, is the second team to qualify for the semifinals after Bengaluru FC who progressed from Group B. Mumbai FC, who finished their league engagements with four points from four matches, are now out of the tournament. Mumbai FC, who were pushed to defend themselves, had a chance to equalise two minutes later but Sampath Kuttymani who was free inside the box shot out.
Dempo continued to dominate the proceedings and increased their lead in the 35th minute. Mumbai FC improved their game by several notches after the break but could not penetrate the rival defence. (PTI)
