In the last league matches today, Bharat Petroleum beat Punjab National Bank 2-0 to book a berth in the last-four stage of the competition. Bharat Petroleum, who topped their pool will take on Army XI in their semi-final. Army edged past Punjab & Sind Bank 5-3 via the tie-breaker.

In the first match of the day, the eventual winners took time to settle down but were successful in their venture only in the latter part of the game.

After a barren 35 minutes, Bharat Petroleum pumped in two quick goals to seal the fate of the rival team who gave a good account of themselves in the initial stages of the contest.

Pundlik Bellary set the ball rolling for Bharat Petroleum by scoring in the 48th minute. But it was former international Sabu Varkey who consolidated the lead in the 52nd minute (2-0).

The second match of the day was more keenly contested as Army XI held their nerves to level the contest in regulation period and then stroked out PSB who were favourites to win the title this year. In fact, Army XI came from behind to upset PSB who were more organised on the play field today.

In the tie-breaker, Eliazer Lakra, Anil Kumar Ekka and Chittranjan Singh converted for Army XI. Mandeep Singh was the only PSB player to convert.

Earlier, in regulation time Tassavarjit Singh put PSB ahead in the 35th minute. And Kulwinder Singh consolidated the lead in the 44th minute.

When all was within the control of the PSB outfit, Army XI attacked the rival bastion to gain control of the lost territory.

Eliazer Lakra who converted the team’s first penalty stroke in the tie-break, was in fact was responsible for bringing his team back on the winning track by scoring in the 53rd minute. D Mahadik scored Army XI’s second goal in the 57th minute to level the score.