Goa: Chaguinha's double strike helped Kochi defeat Goa 2-1 here on Saturday to set up a summit clash with Mumbai in the Premier Futsal.
The opening quarter saw both the teams attacking with intent. A jam-packed crowd supported the Goan side and in particular their marqee player the Brazilian Cafu. The first quarter remained goalless.
In the second quarter, it was Kochi who took the lead as Chaguinha did the trick and with his skills netted the ball in the 13th minute. A defiant Kochi keeper Cassalone had a superb game.
Right at the beginning of the third quarter, it was an experienced Vampeta who dodged two defenders and brought Goa back into the game as he scored in the 22nd minute to make it 1-1.
After conceding the first goal, Kochi changed their strategy and did a man-to-man marking. Changuiha, showing excellence presence of mind, scored in the 27th minute and regained the lead for his side.
The most interesting of the quarter was the last, where quite a few chances were missed by Goa.
In a thrilling first semifinal, Mumbai held their nerve to defeat Kolkata 4-2.
Mumbai's in-form player Colombian Angellot, who starred in the win with three goals, was ably supported especially by Charanpreet and Fogila.
Angellot continued his good form and netted the ball in the 9th minute and gave the side a lead over their rivals. He displayed some outstanding skills as he scored evading the Kolkata defence.
Both the sides, though were aggressive in their approach in the quarter, Mumbai had an upper hand.
The story remained the same in the second quarter with Mumbai dominating and scoring two goal to make it 3-0 at the half time even as their crowd cheered for their marquee player and former Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.
In the 11th minute, it was Angellot again who scored his second goal and extended the lead. The coordination and passes of the Mumbai players were up to the mark and so were their counter attacks.
Kolkata remained clueless in the quarter. In the 20th minute, Kevin Ramiraz made it 3-0.
Futsal is a game where things can change within minutes and Kolkata tried to bounce back by scoring two quick goals. While it was Vander Carioca who scored in the 22nd minute with a brilliant volley, in the 24th minute in what was a successful counter attack, Gabrial netted the ball to make it 2-3.
Mumbai could have gone way ahead had Angellot not missed a definite chance and a pass after just a few seconds in the the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Angellot made the most of Kolkata's weak defence and scored it easily in the 32nd minute taking his team ahead 4-2.
(With agency inputs)