Kochi, November 17: Title aspirants Goa set up a semifinal clash with Punjab after forcing former champions Manipur to a 1-1 draw in a quarter-final match in the Air India Express National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy here today.

The draw helped Goa enter the semifinals on a better goal difference.

Earlier, last year runners-up Punjab too qualified for the semifinal on better goal margin after defeating Tamil Nadu 2-0.Tomba Singh struck the goal for Manipur in the 86th minute and Goa�s Climax Lawrence found the equaliser a minute later.

In an evenly-contested encounter, both Goa and Manipur enthralled the sparse soccer fans with their speedy game.

The teams eked out lively football and shared the first session honours, but failed to convert chances that came in their way.

The team from the North-East was the more enterprising.

Their midfield functioned with flexibility and verve and dominated the exchanges for major part and succeded in pinning down the Goans to their own half.

However, the Goan outfit, with a dream run so far in the tournament without conceding a goal while scoring 38, took little time to settle down.

Once they found their ryhythm, there was no stopping them as their strike force comprising Freddy Mascarenhas and Anthony Pereira raided the rival goal time and again, giving anxious moments to keeper Ingobi Singh.

With both the teams going for an all out attack, there was pressure on the players which resulted in some rough play.

Referee Shaji C Kurien had a tough time in controlling the proceedings and Manipur�s Sushilkumar Singh and Goa�s Nicolav Borges were sent out in the 15th minute of the match.

Meanwhile a long ranger by Manipur�s Manithombi Singh was smartly gathered by Goa goalkeeper Felix D�Souza.

The second session also saw keen competition with Manipur showing enough speed and dash and the Goan�s matching them.

Goa almost snatched the lead early but Ingobi averted the danger by smartly gathering an on-the-run shot by Samir Naik.

Goa increased the pace of the game but were unlucky.

Peter Carvalho failed to connect a floating corner kick from right, and few minutes later Antony Pereira shot wide from close.

In a counter attack, Manipur earned a free-kick just above the box.

Tomba Singh�s shot hit the goalpost and entered the goal in the 86th minute.

But, Climax Lawrence in a solo effort beat Ingobi Singh with a shot and enabled Goa to equalise even before the cheers died down.

Manipur players protested against the goal.

They vehemently argued and even pushed the referee Shaji.

Police and organising officials pacified the agitated Manipuris and after a 10 minute hold up they agreed to play.

In the dying moments, both the teams went all out but the match winner eluded them.

Tomorrow: Semi-final: Kerala Vs Maharashtra.

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