J&K Bank's tri-colour went flying high at Sambalpur Orissa football ground yesterday evening, when the bank's football team made their way into the final of 6th All India Invitational Cup Orissa beating Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) Railway Chennai football club in the first semifinal by 2 goals.
In the 10th minute of the game, Rizwan Sheikh missed the goalpost by a whisker while taking a wide range shot. Three minutes later Bank's Striker Ezekiel got a penalty when pulled within the penalty area on which Rizwan Sheikh make no mistake to score and gave the team lead of one goal in the first half.
In the second half a left wing cross from Rizwan was beautifully headed into the goal by another striker Zubair Shah giving the bank 2-0 lead in 68th minute. Zubair Shah however fouled in the 80th minute and team had to play without him as he was shown red card.
Down by two goals, ICF boys tried their best to penetrate the Bank's defense but were thwarted promptly. Bank's goalkeeper Vikramjeet Singh had a busy and tough time to keep the opposition away from scoring.
Vice-President of Orissa Football Association, who was chief guest on the occasion, congratulated the JK Bank team for their brilliant performance.
Meanwhile, Chairman JK Bank Sports Board, Tafazal Hussain conveyed his congratulations to the team over telephone on behalf of all the board members and hailed them for their superb display of team spirit in both knock-out matches in Orissa.
JK Bank will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Sambalpur Sporting Club and Golden Threads Kerala in the final of the tournament to be played on December 18.