Mohd. Sporting in IFA Shield semis

Mohammedan Sporting bounced back from a goal in arrears to score a 3-1 victory over Muktijoddha Samsad of Bangladesh and move into the semi-finals in the 110th IFA Shield football tournament in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Dieudonne Kabwa struck in the 26th minute of the first half to put the visitors ahead, but the local side turned the complexion of the game in the second session, netting twice in two minutes before scoring an insurance goal.

The victory earned them a meeting with Myanmar's Finance and Revenue Football Club on October 7.

Henry Chukukera, Raman Vijayan and Jiten Rai found the target for the winners in the Group B tie at the rain-drenched Salt Lake stadium, where the two sides produced pedestrian fair before a modest crowd.

Much of the credit for Sporting's victory should go to their young goalkeeper, Chinmoy Banerjee, who not only saved a penalty in the early minutes, but also prevented his side's collapse on several occasions.

The penalty was awarded in the eighth minute when Aga Abdul Wahid made a futile bid to bring down an advancing Kabwa and in desperation handled the ball. Referee P K Bose lost no time in pointing to the dreaded spot, but Banerjee dived to his left to grip Kabwa's shot.

Sporting, who lost 1-4 to East Bengal in the first game, finished second in the group. Muktijoddha made an early exit after going down in both their matches.

East Bengal will take on defending champions Mohun Bagan in the second semi-final on October 8.