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Goa needed a goal deep into stoppage time to beat hosts Tamil Nadu 1-0 in the semi-finals and set up a title clash with Bengal in the 63rd National Football Championship, for the Santosh Trophy, at the Nehru Stadium, in Chennai, on Thursday.
Goa earned a penalty in the third minute of added time in the second half after Kali Alaudeen pulled down Francis Fernandes inside the box. Referee Pratap Singh pointed to the spot and captain Climax Lawrence made no mistake and Goa progressed to Sunday's final.
The last time Bengal and Goa played in the final was at the same venue way back in 1999. It was also the last time Bengal won the Santosh Trophy, as they walloped Goa 5-0.
Tamil Nadu were hoping to make it to their second final in the competition since 1973.