Qualifier Assam Rifles beat fancied Sporting Clube de Goa 3-2 after leading 2-1 at halftime in a group ‘B’ quarterfinal league match of the 125th Durand Cup football tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Friday.
In heavy rain and in front of a sparse but appreciative gathering, Assam Rifles showed its ability to strike telling blows as it recovered from conceding an early goal to punch repeated holes in the defence of the Goan side.
It was not as if the Assam Rifles thrived in the wet conditions as it was the Goan side that called the shots for about 40 minutes in the first half before the Rifles mounted a spirited attack that brooked little resistance.
Change of complexion
Two goals in the space of two minutes altered the complexion of the contest, as Mekingai Kamei and Bulu Jingdung broke loose to strike the blows.
Midway through the second half, after missing three more chances including a one on one with the goalkeeper, Rifles strengthened its hold over the proceedings with its third goal.
Ajit Kumar Singh flicked a low firm diagonal shot from the left that ensconced into the far corner of the goal, eluding the grasp of goalkeeper D’Mello.
For all the strength that it had shown early, especially through the strong Bong Takwi Bertrand and Ogba Kalu, the Goan side struggled to put together meaningful moves.
After scoring the first goal in the fifth minute of the match through an explosive shot on the run by Bong Takwi Bertrand off a smart cross from Dawson Fernandes, the Goan side converted its second goal in the 30th minute of the second half.
Ogba Kalu slammed the ball home from close to target after a puddle of water had stopped the ball nicely in his favour.
Assam Rifles maintained its attack till the end, and could fancy its chances against the third team in the group — Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) — for a semifinal berth.
The second match of the day between Pailan Arrows and Delhi United was postponed for Saturday morning.
Saturday’s matches: Pailan Arrows v Delhi United (9 a.m.), Dodsal Mumbai v Army Red (1.45 p.m.), Sesa Goa v CRPF (3.45 p.m.).
via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/article3817499.ece
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