Date:27/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/27/stories/2006042710932200.htm

Sport - Football

Rafi saves the day for SBT

Principal Correspondent

BANGALORE: Mohammed Rafi came in in the 74th minute and struck the equaliser in the dying seconds of the injury time to save the blushes for Thiruvananthapuram-based State Bank of Travancore in a well-contested ONGC Cup Second division NFL super league football match against Vasco here on Wednesday.

Vasco, who showed tremendous resilience, however, would have been disappointed at the 2-2 verdict and the sharing of points.

Down by a first-half goal, Vasco looked a transformed side after the break. And the recovery resulted in two splendid goals, one each by Anthony Pereira and substitute Agnelo D'Souza.

But in the final analysis, all the transformation was brought to nought by one speck of indecisiveness in the defence which enabled Rafi to riffle a low shot into the near post off a Abdul Hakeem headed cross following a long ball from the middle.

Hakeem, the skilful striker, proved his worth by making amends for an earlier miss with a brilliant strike in the 32nd minute. Latching onto a Mohammed Aslam square ball, Hakeem took his time and used his left-footer in style to chip the ball into the far corner. Hakeem was guilty of messing up a fine chance minutes earlier, losing the possession with his over-dribble.

The 1-0 lead was soon dispelled by the Goan side in the second with some attacking football and it was a mater of time before Pereira showed his class. A Francis Fernandes punt into the centre was well connected by Pereira on the run and into the net in the 54th minute.

In the 71st minute, substitute D'Souza directed a fine cross from Queterio Pango into the net and the Goans' were jubilant. However, D'Souza was given marching orders for a second booking following a midfield foul on Martin John.

SBT did make sporadic raids, which at times did reek of desperation, but the tough tackling Goan defence held out. But the last second strike by Rafi saw the teams troop off on level terms and two points well shared.