SBH pips SAI Sports Hostel

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Sep 4 (UNI) State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH) overcame stiff resistance from SAI Sports Hostel, Goa before winning by a solitary goal in their opening knockout match in the All India Mayor's Trophy football tournament at the MGM grounds here today.

The men in maroon's golden moment came in the 80th minute when midfielder Shekhar gently pushed the ball into the cage off a lovely pass from the right out Iftequar.

Both the teams dished out listless soccer in the first half.

After the change over, the bankmen made some interesting moves with Zaki missing a fine chance of scoring after he received a good pass from the right-out. Soon, their midfielder Nagaraj failed to head home from close angle.

The Goan side also saw some goal-scoring opportunities go abegging. Twice, their left-half Sourabh Rawat's powerful shots sailed over the bar. The best chance to find the equaliser came in the dying moments when right-half Minino Montero had only the goalie to beat, but just missed the target, much to his frustration.

SBH will now meet Akbar Travels, Mumbai, in their second match tomorrow.

UNI MPJ MAZ AY HT2125