Earlier in the semifinals, Bureaucrats XI prevailed over Legislators XI by a solitary goal, while Media XI got the better of Tata Steel XI 4-3, via penalty shoot out. Left-winger S D Durga scored the match-winner for Bureaucrats XI.

The second semifinal went to the tie-breaker as play in the regulation time ended in 1-1 draw. Digza Prasad gave Tata XI the lead, capitalising on the defensive lapse, while Bikash Marandi restored parity for Media XI, bulging the opposition net with spectacular long-range shot.

Bikash turned out to be the star performer of the Media XI converted his spot kick and made two saves while doubling up as custodian in the in the tie-breaker. He was adjudged the man of the match.

Media XI forward Ashok Apat, who played fielded as a defender in the second match, displayed attractive skill and clearing ability to bag the prize as best defender of the day-long tournament.

Saswat Mishra, Debi Biswal and Sanjeev Marik of Bureaucrats XI pocketed the individual prizes as best mid-fielder, best goalkeeper and best all-rounder respectively. The prize for best forward went to Sameer Das of Legislators XI.

The eighth edition of Friendship Cup Tournament, featuring four teams, was earlier inaugurated by Odisha Assembly Speaker Nirajan Pujari. State Panchayati Raj Minister Arun Sahu, DG Police Marik and MLA Padmanava Behera handed over the prizes in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary U N Behera, Tata Steel vice-presidents Arun Mishra, Rajiv Kumar and Chief Resident Executive Manikant Naik.
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TOP: Friendship Cup champions Bureaucrats XI on August 30, 2015.
RIGHT: Runners-up Media XI on August 30, 2015.