Karnataka took the field needing just a draw, thanks to a three-goal advantage in the league, having beaten Chandigarh 5-1 vis-a-vis Goa's 2-0 win against the same side.

Winger Somatai Shaiza (25th), overlapping medio S Venkatesh (55th), Mario Soares (60th), Marcus Carvalho (65th) and Augustinho Rodrigues (85th and 88th) scored for Goa.

Goa began on an attacking note. Winger Somatai Shaiza and striker Bruno Coutinho, fed by Venkatesh wasted little time in pressing for chances. They came close in the second minute. But Venkatesh could not deflect in a volley from the left by Somatai.

However, the Karnataka defence had to yield in the 25th minute. The goal resulted off a free throw which Bruno Countinho fedto Venkatesh. Shaiza made no mistake with the header.

Goa's own defence was hardly put to test, and Goa protected their 1-0 lead till half time.

Off a move on the left flank, Jules Alberto crossed. Venkatesh's right footer bet the advancing Karnataka goal-keeper (Venkatesh) hands down, the ball crashing into the right corner.

Five minutes later Goa struck again. Off a corner kick, Coutinho laid up defender Roque Pereira. Mario Soares slammed in a volley for a 3-0 lead.

Marcus Carvalho's header found the mark (4-0), and with five minutes remaining, substitute Augustinho Rodrigues tapped in a rebound. He struck again three minutes remaining off a left footer.

Goa take on Tamil Nadu in the first semi-final on April 1 after a day's rest tomorrow.