Classic FA, Manipur and Punjab FC both reached the semi-finals of the Dream Sports championships-AIFF junior league via penalty shoot-outs. While Classic prevailed over Alchemy International 4-3, Punjab made short work of Madras 4-2 in the shoot-outs.
In the quarter-final match played at the Don Bosco grounds, Margao on Sunday morning, Classic who were trailing Alchemy International of Bengaluru throughout the match, levelled the score 2-2 almost at the end of stoppage time in the 95th minute through S Omesh Singh.
Earlier in the game, Classic had drawn first blood through Syed Adil in the 8th minute. However, Alchemy International raised their game by several notches to take the lead, via goals scored by substitute Sahanya Sud ( 32nd min) and captain Umer Soef in the 54th minute.
In the afternoon game played in sweltering heat at the Raia grounds, Madras FC drew first blood against the defending champions Punjab with a Sarthak Bhattarai goal in the 8th minute. Punjab bounced back with repeated attacks on the Madras citadel, but could draw level only in the 81st minute via a K Bikash Singh goal.
Semi-finals on 12th May at the Raia grounds – Minerva Academy vs Classic Football Academy, 7.30am;
Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC, 4pm.
