Zico Zoremsanga struck in the added minutes of the first half to guide Southern Samity in to the semifinals of the E.K Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup football tournament, beating Army XI 1-0 at Kozhikode Corporation Stadium here on Saturday.
Zico dribbled past the Army defenders from the right side of the box before sending in a powerful shot, giving little chance for the Army custodian Abhijit Das.
Southern Samity, who needed a win to enter the semifinals, adopted an attacking game right from the start of the match. Zico controlled most of the Samity moves with his sprint and technique.
In the 15th minute, Army XI got the first near chance of the game but Laxman Murmu failed to strike as Samity custodian advanced and cleared the ball.
Samity should have netted in the 30th minute but was foiled as Zico’s header from a crisp cross of Manas Das went straight to the goalie. The opener did eventually come for the Samity in the added minute of the second half.
The opening 20 minutes did not see much goal opportunities as the play was confined to the midfield. Laxman Murmu could have sent Samity out of the tournament but failed to connect a cross from the left wing. In the last minutes of the match, Army goalie made a few good saves as Samity striker Alfred Ndyenge did some solo runs upfront.
On Sunday, Mumbai FC will face BN Railways.