BN Railway stun Mumbai to enter final of Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup

KOZHIKODE: BN Railway, Kolkata, trumped fancied Mumbai FC 3-2 to become the first team through to the final of the EK Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup being played at the Corporation stadium.
Despite a two-goal performance from Mumbai's PC Lalawmpuia, the tremendous team effort showcased by BN Railway won the appreciation of the crowd. Three well taken goals -- the latter two coming in the second half after Lalawmpuia had sent Mumbai ahead 2-1 at the break -- made up for a few minor lapses in defence for the side coached by TB Roy Chowdhury.
BN Railway went in front in the 25th minute through their African recruit Christian.Captain Asim Das did most of the work, dribbling his way past two opponents before feeding the striker. From 20 yards out, Christian placed his shot into the bottom right corner to give Mumbai FC's keeper Ishan Debnath no chance.
Lalawmpuia soon brought Mumbai FC back into the game with the goal coming off a long throw from Fakruddin Amiri. Captain Abhishek Yadav got a flick on at the near post and Lalawpuia was on hand to tap in unmarked in the 29th minute.
He then put Mumbai ahead five minutes later, finishing off a move started by the influential Amiri. The midfielder worked his way into space before setting Lalawpuia free with a defence splitting through ball. The stocky striker lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper to send Mumbai ahead, against the run of play.
In hindsight, the substitution of Sujit Malo for Eric Aningo in the 44th minute changed the match for BN Railway. Malo was a constant threat upfront, gelling well with Christian and Das to keep testing the Mumbai defence.
With striker Yadav playing as a centre back, the Mumbai defence always looked vulnerable throughout the tournament. And BN Railway exploited that to the fullest in the 52nd minute, with Soumik Roy bringing them level.
The left back played a neat one-two with Malo in the attacking third and found himself in acres of space with Yadav backing off in front of him. Roy let rip with a stunning 25-yard effort that swung late, completely deceiving Debnath in goal. The keeper's initial position was a bit dodgy and the swerve on the ball left him with no chance.
Their third goal was another beauty and came from the foot of Man of the Match Malo in the 69th minute. The striker's first effort was blocked by a Mumbai defender but the rebound came straight back to him. Spotting the keeper off his line, Malo went for a lob from 30 yards out that dipped at just the right time to nestle in the back of the net.
Despite Mumbai throwing all their players forward in search of an equaliser, it was not to be as BN Railway held firm. They will take on the winner of Monday's second semifinal between Air India and Southern Samity in the final.