Mohun Bagan romp into final

Defending champions Mohun Bagan scored once in each half to down Mahindra United 2-0 and storm into the final of the Federation Cup football tournament.

In the second semi-final of the tournament, at the Nehru stadium, in Madras, on Monday, the Calcutta giants proved too strong for the depleted Bombay side to earn a meeting with Dempo Sports Club, Goa, in the final on August 30.

Dempo had on Sunday rallied to get the better of Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1 in the first semi-final.

Bagan's star striker Jose Barretto Ramirez scored the first goal in 41st minute and medio James Singh got the second in the 65th minute.

Mahindra, who were unable to field their best team as several players are down with viral fever, put up a spirited display. They were without striker Raman Vijayan, goalkeeper Virender Singh, Farooq Hyder and Jules Alberto, yet they gave the Calcutta giants a good fight. Bernard Oparanazie and Anthony Pereira were outstanding in defence and seldom allowed Bagan's main strikers Abdullateef Seriki and Jose Barreto space to manoeuvre.

The Mahindra defence, however, caved after 40 minutes following a free kick, after Khalid Jamil brought down Seriki. Basudev Mondal, who took the kick from 25 yards outside, sent in low volley to Barretto and the Brazilian's low shot through the defensive was deflected off a defender into goal.

In the four minutes of play remaining, Bagan had two good chances to increase their lead but Seriki and James Singh were unabled to beat goalkeeper Naseem Akhtar.

Twenty minutes into the second-half, Bagan made it 2-0 following a defensive lapse. Seriki ran down and sent in a right footed cross close to the first post. Goalkeeper Akhtar reacted rather late to cut off the pass as James Singh darted in and bulged the net with a good shot.

Complete Coverage: Federation Cup, 2001