In the first semifinal played on Sunday, ONGC had defeated Nepali side Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) 1-0. [break]
Bengal Mumbai FC took a surprise lead in the 15th minute through a spot kick after their forward Mintu Saha was fouled by ONGC defender Ricky Jay in the penalty box. Nigerian striker Afam Denis slammed home the penalty.
The ONGC team restored parity within one minute in a similar fashion. Midfielder F Lalmaun Puia was brought down in the penalty box by a Bengal Mumbai defender, and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty to ONGC. ONGC´s Nigerian striker ND Opara converted the spot kick making it 1-1.
ONGC then took the lead in the 35th minute after a neat pair of moves between Opara and his fellow Nigerian striker B Babatunde. Opara scored his second goal in the 55th minute when he tapped in a low cross from the right flank by F Lalmuan Puia, making it 3-1 in favor of ONGC.
Tshering wins best player award
Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) skipper and senior footballer Tashi Tshering won the man-of-the-tournament award for his all-round performance.
Tashi had handled the attacking midfielder´s job against local Camellia United Sikkim Sporting Club in their first match, and in the pre-quarterfinal he had played as a defender against Mohammedan Sporting Club of Kolkata.
He had played from the same position against ONGC, Mumbai in the semifinal. Despite a 1-0 loss, Tshering was able to come up with an attractive show and had become one of the popular players in the tournament.
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