United SC entered the semi-finals of the IFA shield after a 4-2 win over East Bengal on Saturday, while Pune FC's 2-0 win over AS Douanes of Senegal enabled Air India set up a final-four clash with Churchill Brothers.
Continuing with their dismal run, East Bengal conceded four goals including one in injury time at a rain-soaked Vidyasagar Krirangan in Barasat as United SC finished on top of Group A. United SC scored through Shylo Malswam Tulunga (8th and 75th), Parveen Kumar (18th) and Josimar da Silva Martins (90+1).
The match was locked 2-2 at half-time with East Bengal scoring via Riston Rodrigues (27th) and Subhas Singh (42nd) but the former champions failed to find the net in the second session.
In the Group D match at Mohun Bagan ground, a fancied AS Douanes of Senegal were handed the exit pass from the tournament after going down to an inspired Pune FC. The Pune team registered its first win of the season with goals from Izumi Arata (30th) and Jeje Lalpekhlua (37th).
But the win was not enough for Pune FC, who finished with three points, allowing Air India (4 points), qualify for the last-four.