A-I come good the second time

MUMBAI, September 9: Air-India may have become nervous during their first clash in this year's Wifa League with Bengal Mumbai FC BMFC. ...

MUMBAI, September 9: Air-India may have become nervous during their first clash in this year8217;s Wifa League with Bengal Mumbai FC BMFC. But they did not let their chances go in the Super Five of the Gulf Oil Super Division match at The Cooperage today. Their previous match ended two-all but Air-India emerged best this time round, by a 2-1 verdict. All the thrills and goals were packed into the second half.

Air-India went into the lead in the 55th minute when left-back Henry Picardo8217;s cross from right was headed in by Anthony Fernandes. BMFC equalised 20 minutes later when the ground conditions, and the expectation of the off-side flag going up, combined to give BMFC the goal.

Uday Konar8217;s forward ball was heading towards MY Ansari8217;s goal. The goalkeeper charged out but the ball got stuck in the slush. Ansari hesitated but Adel did not and he slotted in between Ansari8217;s legs.

Three minutes later, the cheers were back in the Air-India camp and the hordes of supporters, who had come armed with drums tocounter the BMFC supporters and flags, showed their appreciation.

Khalid Jamil who was tied down virtually throughout the game by Adeshina Sadiq, got one opportunity and he released the ball to unmarked Tomba Singh on the right inside the box. Tomba trapped the ball, dribbled a defender, transferred it to his left-foot and smashed a shot that slid past the diving Gumpe Rime.

If the first clash was a fair result considering the equality of contest, today, Air-India deserved full points in their first super Five contest.Despite the ground conditions being what it was after the constant drizzle, Air-India were able to move the ball around with purpose. Godfrey was the dynamo that made it happen. Bungo Singh and Tomba Singh in the midfield were kept busy, as a back-tracking BMFC left them with oceans of space.

The first half followed the pattern. But the BMFC defence, manned by Tapon Ghosh, who was having another good game, held fort till they conceded the first goal. It was a mistake by BMFC8217;s defence asAnthony was left unmarked and the ball came from the defence.

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But after conceding the goal, BMFC pushed forward and found plenty of space in the Air-India defence. Had Konar8217;s forward pass held its course, Ansari would have had it. But as it turned out, it caught the slush and gave Adel Ansari the chance to score.

In the earlier match, Central Railway won 1-0 against MS Police with Arshad Ansari scoring.