Date:24/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/24/stories/2007042403832000.htm

Sport - Football

SBT downs Iran XI, finishes third

M.R. Praveen Chandran

KANNUR: State Bank of Travancore erased bitter memories of a disappointing season by finishing third in the E.K. Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup international football tournament at the Municipal Jawahar Stadium here on Monday.

The Thiruvananthapuram side scored a 3-2 win over Iran XI in the losers' final. Abdul Hakkim (40th), C.J. Renil (52nd) and Mohammed Aslam (72nd) scored for SBT, while Hashem Heidari (44th) and Majid Nowrouzi (80th) were successful for the Iran XI.

Telling difference

Mohammed Aslam made the telling difference in SBT's game. The striker set up Martin John with a good pass in the 10th minute, but the midfielder shot wide with an open goal in front of him. At the other end, Jean Christian was alert enough to deny Majid Nowrouzi in the 35th minute.

SBT went ahead in the 40th minute when Aslam made his way into the penalty area from right flank and squared the ball to Abdul Hakkim who scored with a right-footer.

Iran XI equalised with a brilliant Hashem Heidari solo effort. The striker beat two SBT players as he moved into the penalty area from the right flank. He dribbled past three more defenders and wrong-footed the goalkeeper to score in the 44th minute. SBT took the lead again in the 52nd minute and the goal was freakish.

C.J. Renil's 45-yard grounder surprised the Iran defence and the goalkeeper. As Iranians pushed for the equaliser, Mohammed Aslam swelled the lead in the 80th minute. A long clearance by the SBT defence came to Aslam who beat the off-side trap to score. Iran pulled one back through Majid Nowrouzi who headed in a corner taken by Ali Reza Nourozi in the 80th minute.