Punjab National Bank (PNB), Delhi rallied well from a first half deficit by striking two quick goals in the second period to put it across CAG (Comptroller Auditors General), Delhi 2-1 in a tense and crucial Pool ‘B’ league of the 12th PMC Bank-Guru Tegh Bahadur All India Gold Cup Hockey Championship, organized by MHAL (Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) and played at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate, on Tuesday.
Punjab National Bank forward Gagandeep Singh breaks into a jig after scoring the team’s second goal against CAG
This was the third win for PNB and it ensured that they finish at the top of Pool B with 9 points and qualify for the semi-finals.
PNB, who required a win at all cost to progress to the next round, conceded a goal just before the half-time with S.S. Bundela converting a penalty corner to put CAG in front in the 33rd minute. However, after switching ends CAG adopted a defensive approach and went into a shell. PNB took advantage of the situation and managed to fight back by launching a series of raids towards the rival citadel. Their hard work reaped rewards as first Naveen Antil unchallenged on the left side of the striking circle kept his cool before firing in past the pads of goalkeeper Harjeet Singh and the near post in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, PNB doubled the lead when Gagadeep Singh in a flash slapped home from the top of ‘D’ after receiving Hardeep Singh’s cross from the right.
Meanwhile, Western Railway, Mumbai despite going down fighting 5-6 to Hockey Bhopal in another Pool B encounter, managed to make it to the last four round. Western finished in second position in Pool B and join PNB in the semi-finals.
The Bhopal outfit out of contention, dished out a dazzling brand of hockey and were well-served by seasoned Osaf ur Rehman who struck three goals (12th, 18th and 55th minutes). Sadab Haseeb got two (50th and 59th) and Mehrajuddin (5th) one to help the Bhopal side secure their first win.
Later in the concluding Pool A league match, RCF (Rail Coach Factory), Kapurthala scored a stunning 6-4 win against defending champions Air India. However, both team advanced to the semi-final from this pool. RCF finished in pole position with 10 points and Air India were placed second with 9 points.
Naveen Antil (P.N. Bank), Sadab Haseeb (Hockey Bhopal) and Gavravjeet Singh (RCF).were declared the ‘Man of the match’ in their respective matches and all received a cash prize of Rs 1,000 each.
There will be no match on Wednesday. The semi-finals will be played on Thursday.
Results – Pool B: Hockey Bhopal 6 (Mehrajuddin 5th, Osaf ur Rehman 12th, 18th, 55th, Sadab Haseeb 50th, 59th) beat Western Railway 5 (Amit Rohidas 10th, 46th, 57, 61, Stanly Minz 21st). Man of the match: Sadab Haseeb (Hockey Bhopal).
Pool B: Punjab National Bank 2 (Naveen Antil 51st, Gagandeep Singh 55th) beat CAG (S.S. Bundela 33rd). Man of the match: Naveen Antil (P.N. Bank).
Pool A: RCF, Kapurthala 6 (Karanpal Singh 4th, 24th, Poonacha M.G. 27th, 49th, Ajmer Singh 42nd, Raju Pal 51st) beat Air India 4 (Pawan Kumar 6th, 52nd, 54th, Nitesh Kiro). Man of the match: Gavravjeet Singh (RCF).
Semi-final line-up:
Punjab National Bank vs Air India
RCF vs Western Railway