IndianOil, Air India in Gold Cup-semis
Mumbai   27-Apr-2009
With all the international players away at the national camp in Bhopal, the 47th Gold Cup was always going to be shorn of star value. On the brighter side the once prestigious tournament provided ample opportunity for youngsters to display their mettle. But some how, this has hardly materialised and it’s the same old players who have dominated proceedings through out the past 12 days. Therefore it’s not surprising that defending champions Army XI, IndianOil, Air India and Punjab and Sind Bank will be contesting the semi-finals on Tuesday. IndianOil who had walloped Western Railway 9-1 a few days ago failed to replicate that performance as they overcame Border Security Force 3-2 yesterday. The former dominated proceedings for a major part of the game but their finishing left a lot to be desired. Former India players Didar Singh (17th min) and Inderjit Singh (35th min) put IndianOil firmly in command by the end of the first half. BSF tried to keep the contest alive when Sharnjit Singh pulled one back but Bikramkit Singh ensured the two goal margin was intact. Sharnjit struck again for BSF with eight minutes to go, but it was probably too late for them by then. In the earlier match yesterday Air India were held 2-2 by Karnataka XI but advanced to the last four stage by virtue of a better goal difference. Semi-finals: Army XI vs IndianOil; Air India vs PSB