Hosts Haryana through to maiden u-21 final

Hosts Haryana are through to their maiden final of the AIFF u-21 Nationals following a 3-1 victory over Andhra Pradesh in the first of the two semi finals at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium.

 

The hosts took the lead at the half-hour mark when in-form India u-19 Manandeep’s converted a penalty after previously being brought down inside the box. Andhra's response came in the 42nd minute after a spell of intense pressure which was capped off by an emphatic equalizer by P. Joshua. 

 

Despite the setback, the hosts regrouped well in an impressive second half display which saw them notch two more goals to put the game well and truly beyond the southerners reach. 

 

Rakesh Kumar's 50th minute effort from the edge of the area was followed by Chaya Rama's screaming effort from thirty yards as the local fans celebrated a historic win.