Date:15/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/15/stories/2008121554421800.htm

Sport - Football

Vasco SC stuns Mohun Bagan

BARASAT: Vasco SC stunned title aspirant Mohun Bagan 1-0 to open up the contest in Group D league of the 30th Federation Cup football here on Sunday.

In another match of the same group, Air India escaped with a last minute equaliser to hold qualifier Oil India Limited (OIL) 1-1.

Barreto made his presence felt with a measured through-pass in the 59th minute that released Pereira open inside Vasco box. However, the latter could not beat Kattimani, who rushed out to block.

Pereira next saw his 66th minute freekick hitting the Vasco upright before Kattimani made another save off Kisku’s heard in the 71st minute.

As Bagan continued to see its attempts going abortive, substitute Agnelo Colaco gave the lead with a 78th minute long-ranger.

Big achievement

Unfortunate to be forced into a draw with the last gasp equaliser, OIL cornered all the glory for holding up Air India — an I-League side.

Air India custodian Arup Debnath foiled OIL’s first attempt tipping over a 52nd minute attempt by Okwuelum Ezeikel. OIL striker Durga Boro found the crosspiece denying his 59th minute header before side-back Raju Konwar bulged the Air India net with a rasping pile-driver in the 65th minute (1-0).

Just as the Assam side appeared to have realised an upset win, Michael Tayo fetched the equalizer in the last minute of the regulation time. — Principal Correspondent