ICF spot on, march into final

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Local favourites ICF will take on visitors Kerala Police in the final of the Aima-TFA Shield all-India football tournament at the Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

ICF reached the summit clash after edging out AGORC 3-0 on penalties on Friday. AGORC centre-back Naveen Kumar had cancelled out ICF forward M. David’s strike in regulation time of the second semi-final.

Despite both teams trying hard to take the lead in the final few minutes of the contest, not losing was on everyone’s mind, so it became clear that ICF and AGORC would head to a tie-breaker.

Naveen, who stepped up to take two penalties in the span of five minutes, turned from a hero to zero.

After slotting home his first attempt that pulled AGORC level in the 85th minute, Naveen was nominated to take his team’s first try in the shootout lottery.

The robust defender, who had played his heart out in open play, hit a wild wayward shot that missed the target by some margin. The poor effort, straightaway, pushed AGORC on the back-foot.

ICF custodian V.P. Sathish Kumar showcased his sharp goalkeeping acumen when AGORC took their first two spot kicks.

The former Dempo FC star denied L. Stegin with a smart touch that tipped the ball over and then made a jaw-dropping dive to his right to stop right-back Edison’s powerful blast.

On the other hand, ICF’s S. Suresh Kumar, Jegan (Sr) and David had little trouble converting their chances from the spot.

In the 58th minute, ICF drew first blood when David made a good run at the far post to connect a perfectly delivered right-wing cross from Suresh Kumar.

That it was the supplier’s first touch of the game made it all the more special. ICF coach P. Thulasi’s wise move to bring on Suresh for Venkatesan paid rich dividends. The veteran winger’s presence lifted ICF.

Once again, P. Muthu was AGORC’s dynamo and a constant threat inside the box. The wiry striker hoodwinked ICF left-back Jegan with a silky touch and set up his partner Mervin on a platter.

However, Mervin who had a wretched outing, chose to pass it further down the pitch instead of taking a shot with the goal at his mercy.

AGORC, staring at defeat, were given a lease of life when Muthu was brought down by centre-back Surya, resulting in a penalty that was stroked home by Naveen.

Results: SF: ICF 4 (1) (David 58) bt AGORC 1 (Naveen 85). MoM: V.P. Sathish Kumar (ICF).
Action on Sunday: Final: ICF vs Kerala Police (3.45pm).