Date:02/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/02/stories/2007030207241900.htm

Sport - Football

Yakubu nets Mahindras' winner

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Yusif Yakubu's opportunism made the difference between Mahindra United and Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club (HASC) in the ONGC Cup 11th National Football League match here on Thursday.

The Ghanaian, given time by a defence re-aligning itself for change of angle, tapped home a 71st minute goal to give not only a laboured victory for the champion but also a place on the top of the league table (14 points from seven matches).

Though East Bengal has the same number of points, it goes to second place on inferior goal difference.

Caught unawares

The HASC defence, aware of the Mahindra United captain's ability to create goals out of nothing, had the men in front of the goal for the purpose. A change of trajectory and angle of the ball undid their careful marking.

N.P. Pradeep leapt to nod down a corner kick by Rauf Khan from the left and watched the ball lob towards his right. The defence was in the process of shifting to cover up the new angle when Yakubu appeared and slammed home.

Yakubu had tested HASC goalkeeper Balaji twice earlier. The first attempt came in the form of a snap shot on the move by the speedy striker, which was deflected out by Balaji, diving at the right post. The second time saw the crossbar come in the way of a shot by Yakubu.

HASC, forced to remain on six points after seven matches, deserved a point for courageous display against the league leader.

The uneven ground conditions made control difficult, yet the Bangalore defence held firm against Andrew Mensah and Abhishek Yadav in the middle, withstood attacks down the right flank, followed by crosses. Mbaka Dady kept his wing-backs and midfield busy with promptings and first-touch passes.

The injury to Mahesh Gawli did not prove costly for the champion, with K. Ajayan playing deep on the left wing.

Mahindra, careful about injury to key players five days prior to the AFC Cup away tie in Singapore, took out playmakers Steven Dias, Dady and forward Yadav for Mohd Rafi, S. Venkatesh and Rauf Khan respectively.