Punjab beat Haryana 1-0, keep semi-final hopes alive

Guwahati, Feb 12 (UNI) An injury time goal ensured defending champions Punjab beat Haryana 1-0 in a Group A match and keep their semi-final hopes alive in the men's football competition in the 33rd National Games here today.

Lalhlimthare Mahlima struck the winner in the 93rd minute in Punjab's second outing at Nehru Stadium here. They lost their opening match to Meghalaya 1-2.

Punjab dominated throughout the match against their neighbours and were unlucky not to have won by a bigger margin. Santosh Kujur was denied in the tenth minute as his powerful shot from near the penalty box beat the Haryana goalkeeper but hit the crosspiece.

Meghalaya topped the group with six points from two wins while the winner between Bengal and Punjab tomorrow will decide who occupy second spot and enter the semi-finals.

Earlier, Maharashtra defeated Kerala 2-0 in Group B through goals from Jinto Jose (79 minute) and Prabesh Janardan (89th).

Hosts Asom are already through to semi-finals as they are heading the group with six points. They won both their first two matches.

UNI