Bagan escape after a freak equaliser

A free-hit was allowed to pass one end of the goal by Nigerian Isa Musa Eroje and Mongba Samson effected a deceptive header for the goal. While both the sides got plenty of chances at the goal, three clear-cut opportunities came Mahindra’s way. But the host team was slow to grasp them as they were minus one player.

One of their players, Naushad Pari, was sent out five minutes after the break for a foul against Isa. The latter returned to the game with a strapped head but without any apparent discomfort.

In the third and last minute of injury time, Brazilian Jose Barreto stretched the defence and gave a back-pass to Vasudev Mondal, whose kick deflected off Bhutia’s body catching goalie Feroze Sheriff on the wrong foot.

HASC look to reverse trend

Bangalore: Despite dominating the three matches they have played so far, local giants Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club have just the one point to show for their efforts.

On Wednesday, when they take on former champions JCT, Phagwara, HASC will be looking to post their first victory in the seventh National Football League. HASC have churned out the moves in the midfield with precision, but their finish – or the lack of it – has bogged them down considerably.

Although coach Chandrashekar was confident his team would be unbeatable if his players stick to the strategy worked out at training sessions prior to the game, HASC’s task could prove quite difficult – but not untenable – as they are without the services of three key players.

Striker Ishfaq Ahmed – who scored HASC’s only goal in three matches when he struck against Vasco in the previous match – has copped two yellow cards and will have to watch the game from the gallery. Forward Peter Mascarenhas fractured a bone in his ankle and is likely to be out of action for at least a couple of months. Wing defender Shivamani is also carrying an injury and will not participate in Wednesday’s proceedings. As far as points are concerned, JCT are on par with HASC. But, the visitors come into this match on the back of a commendable draw against defending champions Mohun Bagan.

Vasco a hard nut to crack

Margao: Qualifiers Indian Bank, Chennai meet Arlem-sponsored Vasco Sports Club in their fourth round match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda tomorrow.

Indian Bank coach V P Sathyam said he would play a waiting game against Vasco and rated the Goan side as “a tough opponent in their own backyard. We have a high regard for Vasco.”

The Chennai outfit, which have collected seven points from three outings so far, will bank upon former international Sabir Pasha and Lankan import Kasun Jayasuriya to fetch goals upfront while another Sri Lankan, Imran Mohammed will play as a stopper back. Felix Edward and Sebastian Netto will be the choices for goalkeeper.