New Delhi: Dutchman Robbert Kemperman’s finely-crafted late strike earned Dabang Mumbai a semi-final spot in a fighting 2-1 victory over Jaypee Punjab Warriors in Hockey India League-5 action in Chandigarh on Saturday.
Kemperman’s compatriot Mink vand der Weerden gave the Warriors the lead in the 37th minute, unleashing a fierce penalty corner into the top of the net. They looked set to earn the last four spot but Kemperman had other ideas, beating a couple of defenders with a solo run and scoring with a diagonal shot in the final minute of the match to snatch victory from the clutches of defeat.
Mumbai concentrated on the left channel to build their attacks in the early stages of the match. They came close in the first quarter when German Florian Fuchs picked up a lose ball and beat three defenders. But his shot but was well saved by the Warriors goalkeeper Australian Tristan Clemons.
Punjab came close to scoring again through Affan Yousuf but an alert Clemons blocked his effort. The second quarter began sedately with both teams maintaining their shape to nullify the opposition, which resulted in no scoring chances for either side. Mumbai had sharpness in going forward but Clemens ensured they didn’t score, stopping a promising attack by Nikkin and Yousuf.
