J&K Bank given direct berth to the quarterfinals of the 6th All India Sambalpur Football Tournament, being played in Orissa beat Orissa Police to enter into the semifinals of the tournament. The Bank's football team made a promising start of the winter season and won its first match by beating the strongest team of the host state Orissa by three goals to one.
The new foreign striker Ezekiel gave an early break to the team by scoring in the 20th minute on a sneaky pass of Rizwan Sheikh. With an early lead, Bank boys played more confidently and dominated the proceedings. In the second half, Orissa Police although looking aggressive could not check Zubair's tactical dribble and excellent ball-play deep inside their half throughout the second session.
It was Zubair's brilliant pass in 62nd minute that received a fine finishing shot from Ezekiel to double the score 2-0. Meanwhile due to a misunderstanding between Bank's custodian Vikramjeet and defender Shafiq, a self goal reduced the margin to 2-1.
It was the time for Bank's effective striker Ezekiel to receive applause all around in the 78th minute when he scored third consecutive goal for his team on a beautiful pass from Zubair. He became the first player of the tournament to score a hatrick.
In the first semifinal of the tournament, J&K Bank will play the winner of the match between George Telegraph Kolkata and ICF Chennai on Dec.15.
The tournament is organized by Sambalpur Sporting Club Orissa under the aegis of All India Football Federation (AIFF).