Date:12/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/12/stories/2008021256741800.htm

Sport - Football

Assam rallies to hold Maharashtra

Madurai: Assam, down by two goals till the 52nd minute, rallied to draw 3-3 with Maharashtra in their ‘B’ group quarterfinal league in the 17th youth (under-21) National football championship at the Race Course stadium here on Monday.

Maharashtra went into the lead with a fifth minute goal through Craig D’Souza. It went ahead 2-0 in the 44th minute when Ansari Tarique headed home. Assam reduced the margin in the 52nd minute through Sibra Narzary.

Manash Manjit Chetia found the equaliser in the 71st minute with a fine back-volley.

However, Maharashtra went ahead again in the 75th minute with Keegan Pereira converting a penalty.

Manash Manjit Chetia secured a draw for Assam when he scored off a rebound from goalkeeper Nesarullah Khan.

In another match, Kerala held defending champion Goa to a goalless draw.

Assam and Goa lead the table with four points each, while Kerala and Maharashtra have one point each.

The results:

Maharashtra 3 (Craig D’Souza, Ansari Tarique, Keegan Pereira) drew with Assam 3 (Sibra Narzary, Manash Manjit Chetia 2).

Kerala drew with Goa 0-0. — Sports Correspondent