Date:02/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/02/stories/2008110256751600.htm

Sport - Football

Air-India defeats Mumbai FC

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Vivek Bendre

ON THE BALL: Air-India striker Subhas Singh (left) beats Mumbai FC’s Sanjay to the ball in the ONGC I-League in Mumbai.

MUMBAI: Air-India went ahead twice in the first half, through opportunistic efforts by Soccor Velho and Subhas Singh, then packed the defence to thwart all-out attempts from Mumbai Football Club for the rest of the match.

Air-India goalkeeper Arub Debnath soaked up the pressure with timely rush-outs and saves, sealing a 2-0 victory in the ONGC I-League sixth round match here on Saturday.

Opportunistic strikes

MFC conceded a goal against the run of play, negating an assertive first half showing. Soccor Velho popped up between defenders to head the ball in off a Ravinder Singh free-kick. The 20th-minute goal helped AI take further advantage of a confused rival defence.

Subhas took advantage of unguarded space around the MFC box to sneak in, trap a Kailash Patil pass and score with a cool placement past onrushing Kalyan Chaubey. AI then opted for defensive tactics in the second half, pulling men back to confront MFC attacks with layers of defenders. Debnath was tested twice, both times he displayed quick thinking and reflexes to first collect overhead a snap attempt by Anees, whose second crack at target came in the form of a volley on the run. The AI custodian sighted the ball in a crowded goalmouth and punched it over the crossbar.

MFC striker Felix Aboagye surprised the AI defence twice in the early stages, messing up two chances.

He ran into position to connect a free-kick from Riston Rodrigues, then missed the flight of the ball.

The stocky African found space again in the goalmouth to get within range of a lob from the right, this time chested the ball down only to see it bouncing out of range.

AI has 11 points in six matches, while MFC remains on nine points from five matches.