In the final tomorrow, Mahindras will take on State Bank of Travancore (SBT), who defeated Indian Telephone Industries (ITI), Bangalore, 2-1, in the semi-final.

Delhi Blues, who were clear favourites for the title, dominated the first half. But they failed to convert the opportunities into goals and muffed with shots from close. In a reverse of roles in the second half, however, Mahindras took charge of the proceedings and held the upperhand for the major part. The Mumbai team, in fact, stamped their superiority but still were not able to surge ahead.

However, a freak goal by Manjit Singh in the 52nd minute saw them through, thanks to Delhi Blues' goalkeeper Biswanath Deb, who charged out to intercept a flag kick by Andrew Lious. With Manjit left alone, thetask became much easier for the striker. Though Delhi staged a fightback and earned quite a few chances, their aimless shooting let them down.

SBT, on the other hand, were quick to grab the opportunities in their match against ITI. They took the lead when the Sylvester brothers combined well in the 13th minute. From left, Sylvester Ignatius sent a pass to his brother Earnest in the centre, who brilliantly tapped the ball to give SBT the advantage.

The never-say-die attitude of ITI kept the momentum going as they pressed for an equaliser, which finally came in the 76th minute, through substitute Peter. The cheers in the ITI camp had hardly died downed when, in a counter-move in the very next minute, Earnest struck again. Though ITI tried to pull abreast in the closing stages, SBT defence brilliantly withstood the pressure.

ANFA triumph

GANGTOK: Defending champions All Nepal Football Association lifted the 20th All India Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament Trophy defeating a fighting Army XI2-1 in an absorbing final at the Paljor Stadium here today.

Gamemaker and Nepal skipper Deepak Amatya's freekick ten yards inside the Army half in the ninth minute totally foxed the Army custodian. Deepak's shot dipped in, grazed the bar and landed inside the goal.

Six minutes later, Army defender Moni Thombi Singh's deliberate kicking of Nepal striker Naresh Joshi inside the box earned the reigning champions a penalty. Striker Naresh Joshi shot home the spot kick (2-0).

Army XI reduced the margin Arockia Nathan. Medio Saroj Thapa put through a perfect cross to the unmarked substitute nathan, whose stinging leftfooter bulged the top of the net (2-1).

Clash of titans

CALCUTTA: The security will be very tight at the Salt Lake Stadium for tomorrow's derby clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The game, the play-off final of the Calcutta Super Division Football League, is expected to witness a crowd of over a lakh in the stands. Interest has been generated after East Bengal beat Bagan in thesecond phase league match, thus avenging their loss in the first phase.

Once again, African's are set to play a major role in the match. While Bagan have the old warhorse Chima Okerie, Friday Elaiho and Samuel Omollo, East Bengal will depend on their three Ghanians Jackson, Emmanuel Opoku and Suley Musah.

Apart from them, home-grown talents will be very much in focus. I.M. Vijayan has been playing second fiddle to Okerie in the Bagan forward-line while Bhaichung Bhutia has not been scoring too many goals for East Bengal.