Kolkata: Juan Ferrando’s FC Goa thump Yan Cheng Law’s Delhi FC 5-1 in the quarter finals of the 130th edition of the Durand Cup at Kalyani Stadium to reach the Semi-finals of the tournament along with Mohammedan Sporting Club and FC Bengaluru United.
Delhi started the encounter with much flair in the first quarter of the game with Willis Deon Plaza and skipper Anwar Ali making a lot of goal mouth action yet failing to convert them. After that it was all in the clutches of the Gaurs. Devendra Murgaonkar opened the scoring in the 14th minute while teenage sensation Muhammad Nemil extend the lead three minutes later. An astounding curler from Indian star midfielder , Brandon Fernandes made it three for the ISL side as they went into the lemon break.
Although Delhi seemed to have started the second half with some preparations but luck didn’t seem to be in their favour. Substitute Nikhil Mali did pull one goal for the Punjab side ending Dheeraj Singh’s clean sheet at 82nd , a minute before Man of the Match Leander D’ Cunha cancelled it out. The final nail of the coffin was hammered by Alexander Romario Jesuraj two minutes into the stoppage time to seal the victory for the Gaurs.
FC Goa will face the winner from the Bengaluru FC- Army Green tie in the second Semifinal of the tournament to be held at Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan on Wednesday , September 29.
