Jamshedpur,
Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC became the first two teams to book their spots in the semifinals of the AIFF U-15 Junior League after contrasting wins in their respective quarterfinal matches played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Wednesday.
In the morning fixture, Bengaluru FC delivered a statement performance with a 10-1 thrashing of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Hrishikesh Charan was the star of the show, netting four goals (1’, 4’, 37’, 48’) in a dominant display. BFC were relentless from the outset, scoring in the opening minute and continuing their rampage throughout the half. By the break, they had already put seven past the Mariners, leaving no room for a comeback.
The afternoon match saw East Bengal edge out Mumbai City FC in a thrilling contest that was eventually decided via penalties. Mumbai had taken an early lead in the 5th minute through Viraj Arora and looked in control until a goalkeeping error gifted East Bengal the equaliser in the 24th minute, finished by Abhara Dey. Sisir Sarkar quickly added a second for EB in the 26th minute, but Veer Chothani brought Mumbai back on level terms in the 34th. With no further goals in regulation time, the match went to a penalty shootout, where East Bengal held their nerve to win 5-4 and secure their semifinal berth.
The remaining two quarterfinals will be played tomorrow. Group C toppers Minerva Academy FC will take on Group D runners-up Kickstart FC in the morning match, followed by Punjab FC facing PFC Kerala in the afternoon to complete the semifinal lineup.