Commandos reach the final hurdle

B D Narayankar

bapun@sakalherald.com

PUNE: The Commandos were confronted by rather un-impressive Warriors in the ‘B’ Division Independence Cup semi-finals played at Ammunition Factory Ground here on Friday. The Red Devils registered a thumping victory 2-1.

It was not difficult for Commandos to find their grip early on as they fielded their awesome foursome strikers –Wilson Anthony, Vicky Ingle, Vijay Pawar and Shivaji Kadam.

Commandos’ midfielder Lokeshwar Chinkaru, however, was the player to watch as he stole the show with his wonderful moves down the right flank in both the half. His best chance was in the second minute of the match as he set up a beautiful attack dodging three Warrior defenders, forcing a stinging shot down the right corner that grazed the crossbar for a free kick after beating Warrior goalkeeper.

The Warriors were constantly under pressure once the awesome foursome strung their attack together. Vicky Ingle succeeded in finding the back of the net in 7th minute of the match. In 18th minute, Commandos blotted their winning plans for a while with a self-goal executed by Vijay Raghi when he powered in the ball past diving goalkeeper Adil Kauchali in an attempt to defend the cage.

The goal did not sap Commandos’ confidence. They stayed on course with an improved show. Wilson Anthony bloated the net by curling in the ball on Rohitesh Kangle’s pass from left flank just three minutes away from the lemon break.

With a 2-1 lead, Commandos dominated the entire second half and did well to drill holes into the Warriors’ defense, but failed to convert some lollies. In the closing stages, Lokeshwar Cinkaru and Shivaji Kadam blew away two chances.

RESULTS: Commandos 2 (Vicky Ingle, Wilson Anthony) bt Warriors 1 (Vijay Raghi, self-goal)