Manipur and Punjab and Sind Bank, Jalandhar both came back from a one-goal deficit to register identical 2-1 wins and seal their place in the quarterfinals of the Junior National hockey championship here on Wednesday.
While Manipur outplayed Karnataka 2-1 and topped Group B, the Bankmen converted the chances that came their way to overcome a fighting Orissa by a similar margin, maintain a clean slate in Group F and enter the last eight stage.
In the second phase quarterfinals on Thursday, Manipur will take on Punjab and PSB will cross swords with SAI.
In other league matches of little consequence, Mumbai defeated Himachal Pradesh 9-1 in Group F, last year’s runners-up SAIL walloped J & K 7-2 in Group B, defending champions Services subdued Bhopal 4-1 in Group H and Jharkhand thrashed Pondicherry 5-0 in Group D.
Karnataka required only a draw, while Manipur had to win as their goal difference was inferior. Karnataka had to wait till the 53rd minute to taste success when medio Rajesh deflected home a pass from Muduppa.
But the lead was shortlived as Manipur equalised two minutes later, with Joy Chandra providing the finishing touches after a passing bout with Adeba.
Adeba and Joy repeatedly cut in from the flanks with aplomb as Manipur dominated the rest of the game. Their perseverance paid in the end and Joy Chandra came up with a superb effort to seal the fate of their rivals.