FC Nana in the finals

Kannur, Apr 21 (UNI) FC Nana, Ghana entered the finals by defeating Iran XI (5-4) after a penalty shoot out in the E K Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup International Football Tournament at the Minicipal Jawahar Stadium here.

The two teams were locked 1-1 after the regular time and in the penalty shoot, FC Nania, Ghana's Abdul Razak, Addykhalil, Ayew Rahim, Babamu Yusif netted the goals while Iran's Hashem Heidari, Naser Shirdel, Hossein Yousefi scored.

Mostafa Sanobari's shot was saved by Ghana goalkeeper Kassim Tahiru diving left side and also the last kick of Alireza Noruzi.

Ghana's only shot from Armah Emmanuel went outside the post.

In the 49th minute of the game, Nartey Ebenezer netted the first goal for Ghana from a grand shot to left corner of the net by a pass of Ayew Rahim.

In the 76th minute Iran Mostafa Sanobari equalised through a foul kick from outside the box over the five defenders. The rain intercepted match was keenly contested.

Ghana played with fast passes and powerful defences while the Asian's International 9 plaayers for Iran also played attack in the second half but could not find another goal for the lapse of finishing.

Iran came to the semis due to better goal average in league matches while Ghana won consecutive victories with only one draw.

In the 25th minute Iran's G Fakhri long range shot rebound through the Ghana's goalkeeper and again shot over N Shirdel over the post.

In the 36th minute, Ghana's striker Addy Khalis carpet shot from a free kick was saved by Iran defender Fakhri. Both teams lost chances in both halves.

Tomorrow Viva, Kerala will take on SBT, Kerala in the second semi-final.

UNI