The Hindu : Sport / Football : Air-India holds Dempo in crucial NFL tie

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Monday, May 07, 2007
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Air-India holds Dempo in crucial NFL tie

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Suleh Musah's heart for defence and flair for goals in vital moments helped the gutsy Air-India snatch a point off leader Dempo Sports Club after a 2-2 draw in a 17th round match of the ONGC Cup National Football League at the Cooperage on Sunday.

Musah's headed goal was the second time AI staged a comeback, denying the rival side a victory, which would have seen the Goan side winning the title. The Mumbai team is sixth with 21 points.

The giant Ghanaian in the AI defence came up with a goalline save in the first half, then raced up to support the attack in the 87th minute.

Dempo had men in front of the goal to guard the AI strikers, none on an overlapping Musah who headed home a lob from the right into the box by Uttam Singh.

Dempo went ahead through Anthony Pereira and dangerman Ranti Martins. The Mumbai side neutralised both goals through foreign players, first the Nigerian Bashiru Abbas and then the experienced Musah. Dempo (33 points) continues to head the league table, ahead of challenger JCT (28) and defending champion Mahindra United (27), needing at least a draw in the 18th round home game against Mohun Bagan to ensure the title. AI's expected fightback raised a glimmer of hope for its city rival, Mahindra United, which needs to win the remaining two matches.

Martins, the NFL's leading striker, gave plenty of trouble for the AI defence. Anthony cashed in on the space in the penalty box to nod home on the run for Dempo's first goal, after Climax Lawrence had headed back a throw-in. Bashiru pulled one back for the Mumbai side, punishing a defensive error in the goalmouth with an opportunistic strike.

Martins, policed right through the match, created space for a twist and tap home in style to put the Goans ahead. Musah then proved his utility in tough situations, scoring in the 87th minute and wresting back a point for his team.

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