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Kolkata, Aug 5 (PTI) Fresh from their stunning win over 29-time champion Bengal, Tamil Nadu will eye their lone second final appearance when they face a tough opposition in Punjab in the semifinal of 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy tomorrow. Following a draw with Delhi, the Chennai lads beat Mizoram and grabbed everyone''s attention yesterday with their win over Bengal.
A team effort coupled with some fine captaincy by former Mahindra United defender D Ravanan saw last year''s semifinalists come from behind and score twice against Bengal to emerge group B toppers. But the South Indian side will be tested tomorrow when they face a strong opposition in group A toppers Punjab in the floodlit match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Tamil Nadu will see R Rajesh make a comeback in the midfield after he missed out against Bengal because of double booking. Their forward C S Sabeeth, who did not start in the playing XI yesterday, is fully fit and that may see him in the line-up.
Tamil Nadu''s defence manned by the robust centre-back D Ravanan will surely play a decisive role with his excellent man marking and anticipation on the backline as they are yet to taste a defeat. Having scored the winner against Bengal, P C Riju, the highest scorer of last edition of the Santosh Trophy, is back in form and will look to extend his fine form tomorrow.
Jagir Singh coached-Punjab side have all the ingredients to make the final as they have Gurpreet Singh and Parveen Kumar in fine form. Their only loss was against holders Goa, while they beat Services and Karnataka to emerge their group toppers.
"Barring the only loss, we have played well so far. We just hope, the boys to carry on the good work," coach Singh said.
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