In the secondnd semi-final played at the Ambedkar Stadium here today, Tamil Nadu upset three-time champions Assam 4-2, via tie-breaker after the match had ended in a 1-1 tie at end of the regulation period and 20 minutes of extra-time.

The hero of Tamil Nadu's win was none other than their captain and custodian V.P. Satish Kumar. He led by example and made three courageous saves that saw Assam bow out of the championship.

In the tie-breaker, Assam's Manoj Rajkhowa scored with his first attempt. Then Y. Raja made it 1-1 for Tamil Nadu. From here on, Satish Kumar took over, as he dived to his left and right to save the attempts made by Assam's Raja Roy, Ratul Sonowal and L. Akbar Singh. Then it was left to S. Satish Kumar and J. Auxiano to complete the task for Tamil Nadu.

TN lads, combing well, started the game at a fast pace. Their mid-fielders J. Auxiano, P. Pramod and N. Abdul Kapoor feeded well and initiated some good moves from both flanks. Tamil Nadu went all out and dominated proceedings in the opening half hour.

In the mid-session, left-winger S. Nagalingam of Tamil Nadu gave a measured cross to the striker M. Manikandan whose first shot was saved by Assam goalkeeper Richard Choudhury. Undeterred, Tamil Nadu continued with their attack and scored just two minutes before interval through striker Manikandan, who converted a cross by S. Nagalingam on the second attempt.

On changing ends, Tamil Nadu continued to attack and had nearly scored in the 54th minute when Manikandan took a first time shot from out-side the box with goal-keeper Richard Choudhury out of position. But stopper-back Ratul Sanowal headed the ball off the goal-line to make a good save.

This save perhaps brought in some sanity in the Assam ranks as the lads seemed more determined and made deep inroads, challenging the Tamil Nadu defence to a good measure. This changed the complexion of the game soon enough and some good moves initiated by mid-fielders L. Akbar Singh, Manoj Rajkhowa and substitute Raja Roy paid dividends in the 78th minute. Skipper L. Akbar Singh struck the equaliser with a powerful free-kick, which deflected off Tamil Nadu's wall of defenders and deceived goal-keeper V. P. Sathish Kumar.

Even the extra-time of 20 minutes failed to produce any score. Assam got two good chances to score the golden goal but Sanjeeva Rangpi and L. Akbar Singh fumbled near the goal. With minutes ticking away, both teams were adept to playing out for time and wait for the tie-breaker.