Palmeiras in IFA Shield final

Fancied Brazilian club Palmeiras rode on a late strike to pip Bangladesh's Mukti Joddha 2-1 and enter the final of the IFA Shield football tournament at Howrah stadium, in Calcutta, on Friday.

Celio Claudio scored the match-winner two minutes before the final whistle, capitalising on a costly lapse by Bangladeshi defender Abu Faysal Ahmed.

Starting on a promising note, the Bangladeshis forged ahead in the 13th minute of the first half through their in-form Nigerian striker Emeka Achilefu while the Brazilians drew level in the 43rd minute through Marcao.

The mediocre encounter saw the professional side from Brazil resort to rough tactics to thwart Mukti Joddha as the match wore on.

Emeka, who looked dangerous in the initial minutes, was policed into submission by the Brazilians, who brought him down time and again.

Palmeiras maintained the pressure after scoring the equaliser and virtually camped in the Mukti Joddha area in the second half.

Soon after the match, the players of the two teams got involved in scuffles on the ground and police had to intervene to bring the situation under control.

In the final on Sunday, Palmeiras will play the winner of Saturday's semi-final between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.