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Calcutta: The rallies, prayers and clamour did work to revoke Mohun Bagan’s ban, but couldn’t lead to a change in the team’s fortunes.
Bagan’s return to the I-League turned out to be a forgettable one as Salgaocar SC rode on the strikes of Gabriel Obatola and Josimar Da Silva to win 2-0, on Sunday, at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa.
Albeit temporarily, but full points from this game enabled Salgaocar to dispel relegation fears. Bagan, on the other hand, continue languishing at the bottom with no points in their kitty.
The embarrassment could certainly have been greater for Bagan had Obatola not squandered a penalty and goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya not effected two brilliant saves.
Overcoming a tentative start, Salgaocar were in complete control of the game and looked set to go ahead when referee Andrew Shekhar awarded them with a spot-kick after Bagan defender Celestine Echezona handled Gilbert Oliveira’s cross inside the penalty area.
The Nigerian did manage to fox the Bagan goalie, making him dive at the wrong way. But much to the disappointment of the home team, his shot sailed over the crosspiece.
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