Calcutta: Sporting Clube de Goa started off their Federation Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Air India in a Group D match, at the Salt Lake Stadium, on Sunday.
Henry Ezeh gave Air India the lead in the 17th minute while Salgaocar’s Kailo Karphe equalised in 49th minute. Then Ogba Kalu scored the winner in the 63rd minute.
However, the match was marred by controversy surrounding Kailo’s goal. Air India alleged that Kailo used his hand for pushing the ball into the goal. The Air India players had a brawl with the linesman for not showing the flag and threatened to leave the ground. But MG Suvarna, the match commissioner, acted firmly and ensured that the match was completed.
Earlier, Ezeh found the mark for Air India through a penalty in the 17th minute when Sporting goalkeeper Gerard D’Mello brought him down. Kalu’s goal, in the 63rd minute, was a beauty as he curled in a long ranger.
In another match, All India Football Federation’s developmental squad — Arrows —began their campaign on a bright note as they beat Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) 1-0, at the Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune. The solitary goal of the match was scored by Jibon Singh in the 89th minute.
The young team dominated the entire match with their clever one-twos, the sudden bursts of speed and intelligent distribution. Arrows had better possession percentage all throughout. HAL, on the other hand, were busy defending for most of the match.
Jibon converted from the spot after Malswamfela was brought down in the box. But the Arrows should have scored earlier. CS Sabeeth muffed up a chance in the 17th minute in an one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Pramod.
In between, there were at least four chances which went abegging and a handball by HAL captain James Singh, inside the box, was overlooked by the referee.
For the Arrows, Shilton D’Silva, the captain, Gurtej Singh and Ajay Singh impressed with their fitness and skill.
In the other match of the day, also played in Pune, I-League champions Salgaocar were held by Mumbai FC.
With Ryuji Seoka partnering Chidi Edeh upfront, Rocus Lamare and Mehrajuddin Wadoo did all the hardwork for Salgaocar in the midfield.
Mehraj played all over while Rocus caught the eye as he fed Ishfaq Ahmed and Chidi on a number of occasions.
On the other hand, the Mumbai FC defence stayed as stubborn as ever — Kingsley Chioma and Faisal Rehman — the two central defenders not giving the Salgaocar strike force time and space.
