Goa keep nerves to edge out holders Maharashtra

The pulsating semi-final encounter spilled over to the tie-breaker stage and was eventually decided on 'sudden death' as both the teams played their hearts out but failed to break the goalless deadlock after the regulation and extra time at the floodlit Guru Nanak Dev stadium.

Required to deliver the goods for his team with the score levelled at 6-6 in the tie-breaker, Goa's Dominic Noronaa managed to place the ball into the goal to seal the fate of their opponents.

The goal brought an end to the absorbing tussle between the two neighbours who were however guilty of muffing a few scoring opportunities that came their way in both the regulation and extra time.