Sunil Kumar's golden goal puts JCT in final

Sunil Kumar's golden goal helped JCT score a 2-1 win over Mahindra and set up title clash with East Bengal in the second Junior U-19 National Football League at the Nehru Stadium, Margao on Saturday.

Kulbir Singh's last minute goal neutralised Mahindras' 25th minute strike by Sajid Ansari to take the match into extra time. Kumar scored the golden goal in the 25th minute of extra time to put JCT into the final.

In the other semi-finals played at GFA's Duler Ground Mapusa, East Bengal dominated the match with a 2-0 win over Dempo.

Both the goals were scored in the second half through Satyajit Dutta (49th) and S K Azim (64th).

Mahindras, who had an impressive outing in the league phase, did not live up to expectations as they played a subdued game.

Their first goal came in the 25th minute off Sajid Ansari's volley from inside the box, which keeper Tarlochan Singh blocked but could not prevent from going in.

Mahindras, who improved their game in the second half, had a chance to increase the lead, but Neil Gaikwad who was put through by Shahnwaz Ansari slipped and fell with only keeper to beat.

 JCT, who dominated proceedings in the first half, lacked finishing. Surinder Singh and Manjit Singh combined well in the upfront and posed constant threat to the rival defence who thwarted most of their moves. 

Kumar, who took the flag kick, floated the ball to Kulbir Singh who headed in to put the match into extra time.

 JCT, who had two close chances to seal the match in the first half of the extra time, scored the golden goal in the 25th minute of the extra when Kumar's angular grounder beat keeper Bengara to find net off Majit Singh's pass. 

The final is slated for June 2.