Pune FC to clash with Salgaocar in Durand Cup final

Margao: Pune FC scored a goal in each half of their semifinal match to get the better of Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1 here today and set up title clash with Salgaocar FC in the final of the 127th Durand Cup.

Pune FC took the lead in the 20th minute through Bineesh Balan when he netted the ball from inside the box after receiving a cross from the right from Fanai Lalrempuia.

Sporting Clube de Goa retaliated and restored parity in the 23rd minute as Boima Karpeh essayed a left-footer that found the far corner of the net after he was set up by Cajetan Fernandes on top of the box.

At half-time, the two teams were tied at 1-1.

Sueoka, who led the charge for the visitors, then scored the winner in the 62nd minute. He scored from a free kick beating goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh.

The free kick was awarded after Clemente Joseph brought down Arata Izumi.

Sporting Clube de Goa fought back in the last 20 minutes to find the equaliser but failed to get pass the rival keeper Amrinder, who tipped the ball over the bar off Cajetan Fernandes in the 78th minute.

Sporting went all out in search of the equaliser but have themselves to blame as Anthony Wolfe wasted a penalty towards the end. His shot was saved by the keeper who drove to his left to stop the ball.

Earlier, Salgaocar FC had defeated Bengaluru FC in another semifinal encounter.

The final is slated for November 8.