Asom to clash with Bengal in football semi-final

Guwahati, Feb 13 (UNI) Bengal drew with defending champions Punjab 1-1 and booked a semi-final berth in the football competition of the 33rd National Games here today.

Bengal will face hosts Asom who also drew with Kerala 2-2, in the last four stage.

In an exciting match, Punjab opened account in the 23rd minute when midfielder Balraj Singh brilliantly tackling two of Bengal's defenders before lobbing the ball over the advancing goalkeeper into the net.

Bengal equalised two minutes later through a penalty kick taken by Snehasis Chakraborty.

Meanwhile, Asom's dream run continued as they held formidable Kerela 2-2.

Trailing 0-2 at the half time after Jackson Sebastian and R Rajesh Kumar found the net for Kerala, the hosts came back strongly in the second half to deny Kerala the full honours in a match dominated by the South Indian side.

Striker Mrinal Boro headed in the second goal for Asom in the dying minutes of the match UNI