Jorhat (Assam), Sept 18 (UNI) – The Sub Junior Boys’ National Football Championship Tier 2 witnessed a thrilling set of semi-final matches on Wednesday, resulting in Haryana and Assam securing their places in the final. Haryana narrowly edged out Himachal Pradesh with a 2-1 victory after an intense 120-minute battle, while Assam dominated Rajasthan with a commanding 3-0 win.

The final showdown is scheduled for September 20 at Jorhat Stadium, where both teams will vie for the championship title.

In the semi-final clash between Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, it was Haryana’s striker Rajeev Kapoor who emerged as the hero. Himachal Pradesh initially took the lead during first-half injury time, thanks to a goal by Harshit Jaswal. The score remained 1-0 in Himachal’s favor until the 90th minute when Kapoor equalized with a crucial penalty kick, forcing the game into extra time. Kapoor continued his stellar performance by scoring the decisive goal with just four minutes remaining in extra time, securing Haryana’s place in the final.

On the other hand, Assam’s encounter with Rajasthan was marked by an outstanding performance from Tanmoy Boruah, who delivered a remarkable hat-trick. Boruah opened the scoring in the 17th minute and quickly followed with another goal just two minutes later. He completed his hat-trick early in the second half with a penalty kick, sealing a 3-0 victory for Assam and sending them to the final.

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, Manipur clinched a spot in the semi-finals of the Sub Junior Boys’ National Football Championship Tier 1 by finishing their Group B campaign with an unblemished record. In their final group match, Manipur decisively defeated Jharkhand 6-2. Keisham Bikash Singh scored twice, while Khutheipham Muktar Rehman, Huirem Chinglemba Singh, Gurumayum Prohitkumar, and Laishram Mahesh Singh each contributed a goal. Jharkhand’s Aniket Tigga managed to score both goals for his team.

In Group D, Goa advanced to the semi-finals following a 3-0 victory over Bengal. Although Goa, Bengal, and Maharashtra each finished with six points, Goa’s superior goal difference secured their progression. After a goalless first half, Aryan Uday Lingudkar broke the deadlock with a spectacular 25-meter direct free kick. Elsan D’Souza extended the lead with another long-range effort, and Joseph Decosta added the third goal.

The semi-final matchups are now set: Karnataka will face Delhi, and Manipur will take on Goa on Friday.

In another Group B match that held no bearing on the semi-final spots, Gujarat and Kerala played out a goalless draw.

In Group D, Maharashtra delivered a resounding 10-1 victory over Uttar Pradesh. Deepak Kanaujiya was the standout player with four goals, while Hridhaan Pawar and Suklal Jamuda each scored twice. Om Mangesh Sindhe and Shahid Khan also found the net for Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh’s lone goal came from Yash Yadav.

UNI BM