Assam Rifles draws with Tollygunge

Bangalore, Mar 4 (UNI) Assam Rifles held Tollygunge Agragami to a 1-1 draw in the Second Division ONGC Cup 10th National Football League (Group A) match here today.

Both the goals were scored from penalty kicks awarded by referee Mohd Kamil of Delhi.

Rifles striker Naoba Singh opened the account in the 58th minute encashing the penalty kick awarded by the referee when Agragami midfielder S K Azeem obstructed Mithun Naha while attempting to score.

The equaliser by Agragami also came through a penalty kick netted by Abiodun G Bengalawal in the 87th minute. Rifle custodian Lokeswar Singh obstructed Nigerian striker Bolwe M Putu from scoring and this forced the referee to award a penalty kick.

Rifles men could have opened their account in the first half itself, but for missing a couple of chances as they failed to aim the target properly. Ajit Singh's header, just few yards from the post, went outside in the 13th minute, while striker Johny Kharluki missed to head properly to encash a clear pass by V Abel Sema in the 22nd minute.

Rifles custodian Singh successfully thwarted a clear attempt by Ayan Chowdhury in the 18th minute and the latter missed yet another chance in the 49th minute when his kick saw the ball going above the goal post.

This was Agragami's first encounter in the league as they failed to arrive in time to play against Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club on March one due to non availability of railway reservation.

Assam Rifles tasted defeat at the hands of Goan outfit Vasco Sports Club in their first encounter.

UNI MSP RG AY RS1939