New Delhi: Talismanic Brazilian Jose Ramirez Barreto struck the winning goal in the dying moments of the game but it wasn't enough to see his team Bhawanipur FC qualify for the semi-finals of the Durand Cup on Sunday.
Despite a hard-fought 4-3 win over Air India, Bhawanipur bowed out of the tournament having failed to win their final group league match by a clear margin of two goals.
Indian Navy and ONGC will be pitted against each other in the second semi-final while Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting Club will meet Mumbai Tigers in the first semi-final on Monday. Indian Navy had played a goalless draw against Bhawanipur 0-0 and beaten Air India 2-0.
Apart from Barreto (90+3 min), Snehasish Dutta (25th, 40th min) struck twice while Manjit Singh (78th min) found the back of the net on one occasion for Bhawanipur.
A Sudheesh (58th, 59th min) and Jony Chand Singh (48th min) scored for Air India.
Bhawanipur enjoyed a healthy 2-0 lead till the half time but Chand Singh pulled one back for Air India when his shot from inside the box left the opponent goalie with no chance.
Air India's attacking play in the second half paid rich dividends as Sudheesh drew parity with a powerful shot into the side-netting.
In the very next minute, Sudheesh again found himself in the scoring zone as his shot sailed over the keepers head into the net. In the 78th minute, Manjit leveled the scoreline for Bhawanipur by putting Frances Xavier's cross into the back of the net.
Barreto converted a penalty corner in the 93rd minute after five minutes were added on but his effort wasn't enough to see his side through.
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