Panaji: Salgaocar came from behind to beat Air India 3-1 in their opening encounter of the 10th ONGC National Football League at the Nehru Stadium, Margao.

Air India took an early lead in the ninth minute when Sunil Thapa found the net.

Salgaocar found the equaliser in the 55th minute when a well directed cross from the right by Jyothi Kumar was headed in by Asim Biswas.

The Goan team took the lead in the 69th minute when Passo send a measured cross into the box which was headed in by a diving Samson Singh.

Passo, who was later declared Man of the Match, then assured Salgaocar full points when he fired home a 20-yard long shot to snuff out the Air India challenge.

Earlier in another match in Margao, JCT Mills and Goa’s Fransa Pax played out a goalless draw to split points at the Nehru Stadium.