Srinagar, April 2, KNT: J&K Bank football team advanced to the semi-finals of the 5th All India Football Tournament for the “Bihar Cup” 2016 in Patna after defeating Mahipalpur Punjab by 2-0 in its final league group match on Friday.
The victory secured J&K Bank a place in the last four of the tournament following a disciplined performance marked by attacking pressure and a strong defensive display.
J&K Bank players maintained sustained pressure from the outset and capitalized on a free kick near the edge of the eighteen-yard circle to score the opening goal, leaving the Punjab goalkeeper with little chance to respond.
Mahipalpur Punjab attempted to restore parity and pressed for an equalizer, but failed to penetrate the J&K Bank defense.
Newly recruited defender Farhan Ganai played a key role at the back, helping the Bank side maintain its advantage and frustrate repeated Punjab attacks.
J&K Bank carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Srinagar-based side continued to dominate after the break and strengthened its control over the match during the closing stages.
The decisive second goal came in the 87th minute when Urfan Hamid struck a fine shot into the net, effectively sealing the contest and confirming J&K Bank’s semi-final qualification.
The match concluded with J&K Bank registering a 2-0 victory.
According to the scheduled fixture, J&K Bank was set to face either ONGC Mumbai or Aryans Club Kolkata in the semi-final scheduled for Sunday at Sports Stadium Kankarbagh in Patna. [KNT]
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