Defending champions Punjab edged past Karnataka 4-3 in a pulsating penalty shoot-out on Friday to set up a summit clash with Services in the 62nd Santosh Trophy National Football Championship, at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.
The semi-final encounter went into the penalty shoot-out after the teams failed to find the net in 120 minutes of play.
The final will be played on Sunday.
The shoot-out was a tense affair as both sides scored from the first three spot-kicks.
Karnataka's Srinath missed the fourth attempt, shooting over the bar, but their custodian made up for the miss, pulling off a brilliant off Balwant Singh's kick.
It was heartbreak for Karnataka as Sanath Kumar shot the last kick wide and then Punjab defender Ravindra Singh, who had an excellent game today, coolly slotted his attempt past the Karnataka goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among his team mates.
Coach Jagir Singh was particularly happy as his team played better football in the last one hour of the match but was denied an outright victory by some stout defending by the team from the South.
Sanath Kumar could have put Karnataka ahead in the 53rd minute but he hit the outside post from just 10 yards with only Punjab keeper Karanjit Singh to beat.
In the 68th minute Punjab came close to scoring through Jagpreet Singh but his weak left-footer was easily collected by goalkeeper Gumpe Rime.
Karnataka launched a counter attack in the next minute but Sanath Kumar could only head the ball into Karanjit's hands.
A defensive lapse in the 80th minute nearly cost Karnataka the match but Punjab striker Balraj Singh could not capitalise on the chance and shot straight at the goalkeeper.
As Karanataka players began to tire, they resorted to some rash play towards the end of regulation time. Two Karnataka players were booked by the referee within three minutes of each other.
