Pune: Krida Prabodhini and Excellency Academy set up a final date for the inaugural Ajit Dada Chashak Hockey Tournament at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri, here on Sunday.
In the semi-finals on Saturday, Krida Prabodhini scored a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mumbai Republicans, while Excellence Academy downed Income Tax Dept., Pune (3-2) via the shoot-out after playing out a 3-3 draw during full time.
The second semi-final was a thriller with Excellency Academy being bailed out by a Reuben Kedari (47th) strike that helped level scores and push the game into the tie breaker.
Excellency, all through the game trailed. Income Tax had Rahul Sander (7th) give them the lead, before Yuvraj Walmiki levelled for Excellency (1-1). Nitin Kumar (21st) helped Income Tax go into half time with the lead.
Changing ends, Yuvraj (41st) scored to make it 2-2 for Excellency. However, Income Tax pushed and for the third time took the lead via Suraj Jani (39th), before Reuben turned out to be aviour in the regulation time.
In the decisive shoot-out, Prince, Navin K, Yuvraj scored for Excellency Academy, while Suraj and Vikram Singh scored for Income Tax.
Earlier in the first semi-final, Krida Prabodhini had Taleb Shaha net the all-important winner in the 40th minute of the match.
Results (Semifinals)
Excellence Academy 3 (3) (Yuvraj Walmiki 17th, 41st; Reuben Kedari 47th; Prince, Navin K, Yuvraj Walmiki) bt Income Tax Dept Pune 3 (2) (Rahul Sander 7th; Nitin Kumar 21st; Suraj Jani 39th; Suraj Jani, Vikram Singh).
Krida Prabodhini 2 (Aniket Gurav 12th; Taleb Shaha 40th) bt Mumbai Republicans 1 (Pranit Naik 30th).
