Two contrasting quarter-final battles have shaped the semi-final lineup of the Neel Jyoti Rakhal Shield Knockout Football Tournament. Kalyan Samiti needed extra time to overcome Town Club, while Lal Bahadur Byayamagar held their nerve in a penalty shootout against Forward Club.
Key Takeaways
- Kalyan Samiti defeated Town Club 2-1 after extra time to enter the semi-finals.
- Lal Bahadur Byayamagar beat Forward Club 6-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
- Both quarter-finals at Umakanta Mini Stadium produced intense and attacking football.
Kalyan Samiti survive Town Club challenge
Agartala, August 18: Kalyan Samiti secured a place in the semi-finals of the Neel Jyoti Rakhal Shield Knockout Football Tournament after defeating Town Club 2-1 in the third quarter-final at Umakanta Mini Stadium on Tuesday.
The Tripura Football Association is organising the tournament.
Kalyan Samiti entered the match with a star-studded squad. However, the team faced an unexpected setback before kick-off. Four players who recently returned to Tripura after featuring in the Durand Cup could not play.
Amit Kumar, Kishan Macha, Gaichunba and Kafaiba joined the team on Tuesday afternoon. However, CRS-related issues prevented them from taking part in the match.
Their absence affected Kalyan Samiti. Still, the team managed to control important phases of the contest.
Town Club, meanwhile, produced an impressive performance. Several players from the Tripura Sports School featured for the side. It was also their first match of the season.
Tulunga gives Kalyan Samiti the lead
Both teams started aggressively. Kalyan Samiti enjoyed an advantage in skill and physical strength. Town Club, however, looked sharper and quicker in their movements.
Kalyan Samiti finally broke the deadlock in first-half injury time. Lalrin Tulunga found the net to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Town Club refused to drop their intensity after the interval. The team pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute. Bilash Debbarma scored a brilliant goal to make it 1-1.
Neither side could find a winning goal before the end of regulation time. The match therefore went into extra time.
Jamatia delivers the decisive blow
The decisive moment arrived in the second half of extra time. Kalyan Samiti launched a counter-attack and Amit Jamatia finished the move.
His goal restored Kalyan Samiti’s lead and secured a 2-1 victory.
The result sent Kalyan Samiti into the semi-finals. The team will face the winner of the quarter-final between Bloodmouth Club and Ramakrishna Club.
Rajib Sadhan Jamatia of Kalyan Samiti won the Player of the Match award. Baju Tishya officiated the match.
Kalyan Samiti officials expect the team to become stronger once the four Durand Cup players become available.
Lal Bahadur Byayamagar win penalty thriller
A day earlier, Lal Bahadur Byayamagar also booked a semi-final berth after overcoming Forward Club in a dramatic quarter-final.
The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes. Lal Bahadur Byayamagar eventually won the tie-breaker to register a 6-3 victory.
Johnny Lal Ram Ruaka and Anil Sadhan Jamatia scored for Lal Bahadur Byayamagar in regulation time. Lal Mingai Jowala and Jabet Darlong scored for Forward Club.
The teams remained level after extra time. The quarter-final then went to a penalty shootout.
Lal Bahadur keep their nerve
Lal Bahadur Byayamagar showed composure in the tie-breaker. Lalren Num Nawai, Lal Nun Jira Silo, Bijeshwar Singh and Johnny Lal Ram Ruaka scored for the winners.
Lalmun Puia scored Forward Club’s only goal in the shootout.
The contest became increasingly tense as the match progressed. Referee Dhanesh Saha showed yellow cards to nine players from the two teams while trying to maintain control.
Goalkeeper Samaya Jamatia played a key role in Lal Bahadur Byayamagar’s victory. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Two different routes to the semi-finals: Enewstime Desk Perspective
The two quarter-finals highlighted the competitive nature of this year’s tournament.
Kalyan Samiti had to wait until extra time to overcome a spirited Town Club side. Lal Bahadur Byayamagar, meanwhile, survived a penalty shootout after Forward Club pushed them all the way.
Both winners now turn their attention to the semi-final stage. With several strong teams still in contention, the Neel Jyoti Rakhal Shield is set for another round of high-intensity football in Agartala.
