Titanium captain Usman poked his team to a 2-1 victory over New Delhi Heroes in today's match here at Paljor Stadium to clinch a semi-final berth in the 30th All India Governor's Gold Cup football tournament.
With both teams deadlocked in the 1-1 draw, Usman scrambled past his marker to direct a cross into the net for the deciding goal in the 55th minute. Titanium winger Rajeev had provided the cross after a fine run down the right flank.
Stung by the goal, New Delhi Heroes made several attempts to find the equalizer for the second time in the match but was thwarted by Kerala defense especially by the bulky stopper Shabeer.
It was Shabeer who had given the lead to the Kerala side in the 16th minute when his free kick from near the centre line was let in by the New Delhi goalkeeper Joby Joseph. The goalkeeper mistimed his save and dived over the shot gifting the Kerala side the lead.
New Delhi Heroes came back to the game in the dying minutes of the first half. It was Shabeer again who was involved in the equalizer. The giant central defender needlessly dumped New Delhi Heroes striker Itaeu in the box conceding a penalty which was promptly booted home by Manoj Joshi.
However, Titanium coach Rajeev Kumar had the last laugh over his former rival Cheema Okerie who was the coaching the New Delhi Heroes.
Titanium now runs against a formidable Army XI in the first semi-final match on October 22.
Source:Goal.com
With both teams deadlocked in the 1-1 draw, Usman scrambled past his marker to direct a cross into the net for the deciding goal in the 55th minute. Titanium winger Rajeev had provided the cross after a fine run down the right flank.
Stung by the goal, New Delhi Heroes made several attempts to find the equalizer for the second time in the match but was thwarted by Kerala defense especially by the bulky stopper Shabeer.
It was Shabeer who had given the lead to the Kerala side in the 16th minute when his free kick from near the centre line was let in by the New Delhi goalkeeper Joby Joseph. The goalkeeper mistimed his save and dived over the shot gifting the Kerala side the lead.
New Delhi Heroes came back to the game in the dying minutes of the first half. It was Shabeer again who was involved in the equalizer. The giant central defender needlessly dumped New Delhi Heroes striker Itaeu in the box conceding a penalty which was promptly booted home by Manoj Joshi.
However, Titanium coach Rajeev Kumar had the last laugh over his former rival Cheema Okerie who was the coaching the New Delhi Heroes.
Titanium now runs against a formidable Army XI in the first semi-final match on October 22.
Source:Goal.com
