The dream run of Odisha outfit Mangala Club in the 1st Hero Futsal Club Championship ended in heartbreak as they went down fighting to Delhi Football Club 7-12 in the second semifinal at KD Jadhav Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex in New Delhi today.

Delhi FC will take on Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting Club in the final tomorrow. Earlier in the first semifinal today, Mohammedan Sporting beat Bengaluru Football Club 2-0.

A small club of Cuttack city, Mangala added a glorious chapter to the history of Odisha football by reaching the last-four stage of the inaugural Futsal Club Championship. Due to financial constraints, the participation the Cuttack side was in doubt.

But they overcame several odds and made history by reaching semifinals. Despite defeat against formidable local side Delhi FC, Mangal Club won many hearts for their fighting spirit.

Mangala men trailed 1-7 at the half-time before four goals within four minutes by captain Dinabandhu Das enabled them to make the semifinal clash a hard-fought contest. Other three goals for Mangala were netted by Babul Kumar Rout, Niranjan Behera and Bijay Kumar Barik.

For Delhi FC, captain Nikhil Mali scored four goals including a hat-trick, his fourth in the tournament. He was adjudged the player of the match. Mali also top goal-scorers list with 19 goals so far. Dinabandhu Das retained his second place with 17 goals, includng three hat-tricks. Babul Rout was third with 11 goals.

RESULT:
November 12 (2nd Semifinal): Delhi Football Club (Nikhil Mali 1st, 4th, 12th, 32nd; Fahad Temuri 8th, 34th; Lalpekhlua 13th, 15th; Tejas Bhandari 16th, Lalremruata 33rd, Gwgwmsar Gayary 38th, Naorem Bhagirat Singh 39th) beat Mangala Club (Babul Kumar Rout 20th, Bijay Kumar Barik 23rd, Niranjan Behera 28th, Isac Zomuanpuia 32nd (OG), Dinabandhu Das 36th, 38th, 38th, 39th) 12-7. PoM: Nikhil Mali.
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PHOTO: Mangala captain Dinabandhu Das (No 10) celebrates after scoring a goal at the Futsal Club Championship in Delhi.