Bangalore, Nov 24 (UNI) State Bank of Tranvancore, Kerala entered the Quarterfinal league from Group 'A' defeating Salgoacar, Goa 1-0 in the 30th Federation Cup Preliminary Knockout match played at the Bangalore Football stadium here today.
The all important goal came in the first half when Bank captain M A Abdul Hakim did not make any mistake in converting a pass from striker Martin John in the 12th minute.
After leading 1-0 at breather, the Bankers tried their best to increase the lead but the Goan defeance thwarted the attempts by their opponents. Custodian Maclas Moraes saved as many as three definite chances.
Goans, on the other hand, had to blame themselves for the defeat, especially Brazilian striker Ivan Daselva who missed as many as five chances. Though he was quick enough to grab the ball from the opponent, he failed to convert them.
Goan captain Agnelo Colaco brought in two substitutes to force an equaliser,but in vain.
Referee Md Kamil of Delhi flashed two yellow cards to Goa's Brazalian midfielder Eduardo Lacerda, once for obstructing A B Kabeer while scoring and another for questioning his decision.
Group 'B' preliminary knockout matches will start tomorrow with local outfit Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) clashing with Pune FC.
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