Nigerian Eagles edge past BJS Bangladesh 2-1 to reach semis

Gangtok, Nov 1 (UNI) Nigerian Eagles became the first team to make it to the semis of the 29th All India Governor's Gold Cup by handing a 2-1 defeat to BJS, Bangladesh, at Paljor Stadium today.

Freeman Egbum gave an early lead to the Nigerian team in the third minute by cashing in on the shoddy Bangladesh defence. A corner kick was not cleared properly and the ball went to Egbum, who promptly beat the goalie with a low ground shot from inside the box.

The Bangladesh team, which had been given a direct quarter-final berth, found their bearings as the match progressed and restored parity in the 65th minute through Liton.

However, Nigerian Eagles had the last laugh when Ikechukwu Penn's cross was tapped into the net by Nkenchor Ifeanyi in the 75th minute.

In an earlier match, NRT Nepal sailed into the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over JCT Academy, Phagwara.

The match ended in 1-1 draw till the stipulated 90 minutes extending the game to extra-time.

Anil Gurung, who had scored the first goal in the 35th minute, also headed the winning goal for NRT in the 21st minute of the extra time. L Lima scored the lone goal for JCT in the 54th minute.

NRT Nepal would now face Titanium, Kerala on November three.

UNI