GUWAHATI, Sept 10 � The final scoreline read 0-0. And it could have been easily 2-0 or 3-0 in favour of Assam Police Blues. But luck was not in favour of the home team as Three Star Club of Nepal by virtue of this draw sailed into the semifinals of the 59th Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy Football Tournament by becoming second in their group.
Going into their last quarterfinal league match at Nehru Stadium here today in a must-win situation to make it to the last four, Assam Police Blues took a tight grip right from the word go making some smart moves. They came close to scoring on at least four occasions in the first half itself, the easiest of them being squandered by Kajaigek Rongmai. He failed to head home a low cross from Munna Limbu minutes before the break.
In the second half, Assam Police Blues augmented their forward-line with the inclusion of Robijit Jigdung. Fast and agile Robijit added sting to the attack even as Police strikers gave a harrowing time to Nepal defenders who had to overwork to keep their citadel safe.
Nepalese goalkeeper Kiran Chemjung stood rock-solid under the bar, but passed some anxious moments till the final whistle, as he managed to deny the home team the most sought after goal. He made the smartest of the saves in the dying minutes of the game as he safely deflected the ball off a well-targeted header by Robijit.
Today�s match
Abahani Limited vs ASEB Sports Club
