Guwahati, Sept. 23: A last-minute goal by substitute Bijay Gurung helped 3 Star Club, Kathmandu, hold Oil India, Duliajan, 1-1 in an Group A encounter of the 64th Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Bordoloi Trophy Football Tournament at Nehru Stadium here this evening.
Oil India was in a tight spot after today's draw as their match against Shillong Lajong FC in the inaugural match had also ended in a 1-1 draw. The Nepal side, on the other hand, further consolidated their position after a 6-1 win in their previous game against Barak FC, Nagaland.
Oil India gained an early lead with a goal in the seventh minute and upped their defence.
Nabin Rabha, who was awarded a free kick after a fault, ruffled the net by curling the ball in from the left flank from the 22-yard range.
Three minutes later, Buddha Chemjong, carrying the ball through the left flank, would have earned the equaliser for 3 Star had the custodian not intercepted it.
Oil got their second chance in the 28th minute when Manash Manjit Chetia dribbled the ball through the right flank, but Mandila Rongmei failed to connect his centre.
The Nepal side was reduced to 10 men when Bijay Dhimal was given marching orders after two consecutive yellow bookings.
In the second half, the Nepal team breached the Oil India defence.
In the 75th minute, the Nepal side missed an opportunity as Nirajan Khodke failed to capitalise on a pass that came amid confusion inside the box. Substitute Bijay Gurung, however, made up for the squandered opportunities by striking the equaliser in the 90th minute.
ASEB JFC will face Bongabir Ogrogami Club, Sylhet, and Sikkim United FC will clash with East Bengal Presidents' XI Club in two matches tomorrow.