IAF shock Mahindras in Mayor's Trophy

Aurangabad, (Maharashtra) Sep 9 (UNI) A stunning second half goal by Kalyan pap helped the Indian Air Force upset fancied Mahindra United's (Mumbai) applecart in an action-packed match of the All-India Mayor's Trophy Football tournament at the MGM ground here today.

It was a case of missed chances for Mahindras, who could have scored at least eight goals, but ended up sans finding the net even once. Spurred on by the local crowd, Mahindras started attacking the rival citadel right from the word go. They could have got the lead in the first five minutes itself had C Apparad not muffed a simple chance. Soon, the hardworking striker M. Rafi's header off a cross from the right out went wide. Rafi missed another sitter when he could not latch on to a pass from S Mathew and moments later, Hosol S shot off a pass from Apparad was palmed away by the rival goalie.

Both the teams drew blank at the breather. In the second half, the air force players stepped up the pace particularly during the first 15 minutes. And the magical moment for them came when the lanky Kalyan Pap sent a direct kick (not so powerful) that beat the Mahindras goalie all ends up (1-0). Mahindras ill luck continued as the last 20 minutes saw them missing several goal-scoring chances.

In the second match, Customs and Central Excise, Cochin, defeated Akbar Travels, Mumbai 2-1 to move into quarterfinals.

In a lackluster match, the boys from Cochin took the all-important lead when in the 33rd minute, Suresh Babu scored a field goal.

Ten minutes later, C C Hanson headed home a fine pass from the right out (2-0).

The second half saw both the teams dish out a dull game. Akbar travels, who had won two matches earlier, however, could score a consolation goal through Binood Kumar in the 76th minute.

UNI MPJ WD AY BST2003