33rd Federation Cup: Salgaocar reach finals!

I-League champions Salgaocar SC reached the finals of the 33rd Federation Cup (India's version of the FA Cup) through a last minute goal from Nigerian striker Chidi Edeh. In the first semifinal the Goans beat Shillong Lajong FC 1-0 to reach their first Fed Cup final since 1997.

Both teams took a defensive approach in the first session with security first looking to be the directive, not willing to take risks. Lajong were able to block Salgaocar's able midfield which denied the strikers a proper feeder line, while Lajong lacked the penetration upfront.

Things changed after the break as both sides were willing to risk more and started playing football. Close to the hour mark Liberian John D. Menyongar could have given the Northeastern boys the lead, while Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka could have done the same for Salgaocar in the 70th minute. When things seemed to be heading for a draw substitute Elijah Obagbemiro Junior played the long ball into the opponents half for Chidi Edeh, who beat Lajong keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte and finished it off with a class finish. Lajong did protest that Chidi had fouled their keeper in the situation, but referee Pratap Singh allowed the goal and Lajong were not able to come back in injury time.

Salgaocar SC now take on either East Bengal Club or Prayag United SC in the final on Thursday, September 29 for the trophy of the 33rd Federation Cup and a place in next years AFC Cup.


MATCH STATS

Shillong Lajong FC 0-1 (0-0) Salgaocar SC
Goals: 0-1 Chidi Edeh (90')

SHILLONG LAJONG FC
21-Lalthuammawia Ralte; 25-M. Subhas Singh, 4-Zomingliana Ralte, 2-Aibor Khongjee, 23-Lalchuanmawia; 18-Eugeneson Lngdoyh (75′ 11-P.C. Lahlimthara Mahlima), 7-Lalramluaha, 27-Mashangva Genius Zenith [C], 13-Boithang Haokip; 9-Iyikwobe Christopher Chizoba (64' 14-James Giblee), 10-John D. Menyongar

SALGAOCAR SC
1-Karanjit Singh; 2-Jaspal Singh Parmar, 20-Luciano Sabrosa [C], 23-Rahul Kumar, 14-Biswajit Saha; 30-Francis Fernandes, 25-Rocus Lamare, 5-Mehrajuddin Wadoo, 37-Gilbert Oliveira (46' 15-Ishfaq Ahmed); 10-Chidi Edeh, 11-Ryuji Sueoka (87' 28-Elijah Obagbemiro Junior)

REFEREE
Pratap Singh (Services)