The governing body of the association in its emergency meeting, decided to accept East Bengal's verbal `request' to allow them to face Mohun Bagan instead of awarding them a walk-over. In a telephone call to the IFA joint secretary early in the morning, an East Bengal office-bearer said that they want to earn their place in the final and are prepared to wait for Bagan to field a side.

Bagan said that they will play East Bengal provided the security is adequate. As things stand now, the Bagan-East Bengal semi-final will be held on Wednesday. Of course, the IFA while taking the decision to reschedule the matches did not consider it necessary to consult the other finalists Mukti Joddha. Mukti Joddha opened the score in the second minute of the game, with veteran Jewel Rana scoring his first goal of the tournament. A minute later, Abdul Khaleque's shot for BMFC hit the outside of the Mukti Joddha upright.

The BMFC disaster occured in the 12th minute. Mukti Joddha striker Alfaz Ahmed took a gentle attempt which Arvind Kumar had well covered. In fact, Ahmed had mis-directed his cross meant for skipper Imtiaz Nakib, standing behind Kumar. However, the goalkeeper while gathering the ball, allowed it to roll through his legs. Even Nakib was surprised as the ball came to him. He looked at Kumar in astonishment before placing it in.