Salgaocar hold Air India to 1-1 draw

Margao, Nov 29 (UNI) An 86th minute goal by substitute Milagres Gonsalves helped Salgaocar hold Mumbai's Air India to a 1-1 draw and split points in their second round match of the ONGC I league championship played at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here today.

Both the goals came in the second half. Air India shot into the lead in the 78th minute through Santosh Kohli. Milagres Gonsalves of Salgaocar equalised in the 86th minute to make it 1-1.

With this drawn match, Salgaocar opened their account with one point from two outings, while Air India increased their points tally to 2 from two drawn matches.

After a barren first half, Air India were almost in the lead in the 77th minute had not Salgaocar defender Agnelo Colaco made a goal line save off a shot taken by substitute Njoah Jean, who came in place of Samson Singh.

But last a minute later Air India shot into the lead when Jean sent a cross pass. The ball hit one of the rival defenders and deflected towards Santosh Kohli who was lurking inside the goal.

Santosh pounced upon the oportunity and shot into the net. 1-0.

Stung by the debacle, Salgaocar rallied and restored parity in the 86th minute through Gonsalves when one of the Salgacoar players sent an aerial pass. The Air India defenders were dispersed and Gonsalves gained control of the ball well and placed it neatly into the goal to make it 1-1.

Salgaocar's medio Rocus Lamare was adjudged the man of the match for his fine performance.

Salgaocar, who lost to defending champions Dempo by 0-3 in the lung opener, today improved their showing with the inclusion of Rwandan Herry Habimana.

Though the game was played at a fast pace, the first half remained goal-less. Salgaocar were more with the ball and created some good moves but Air India goalkeeper brought a couple of good saves in the 24th and 26th minutes, attempted by Salgaocar's striker Anil Kumar.

Salgaocar could have move ahead during the injury minute of the first half when Felix Chimaokwu from the right flank gave a well-measured cross to better-placed Malawamtiunga but the latter delayed and wasted a sitter.

UNI