Bagan plain lucky, enter quarter finals

Air India opened the account in the 15th minute when Sunju Pradhan’s right footer brooked little resistance from Viva custodian Purushotam Thaman. But the Kerala team bounced back in the 37th minute. A powerful Bimal Birua kick saw Air India custodian Raju Ekka making a vain bid but the rebound went to Satish Kumar who made no mistake with his shot.

In between the teams played and missed several times as chances went abegging at both ends. But Viva gathered themselves up quickly and in a counter-attack forced Air India on the backfoot.

Meanwhile, Viva upped the ante and seizing an opportunity Bimal Birua unleashed a curling right-footer in the 71st minute for the winner. After that, Air India tried a few long-rangers without success.

ONGC made Bagan sweat under lights but the Kolkata club resisted the pressure to romp home 2-1 winners, with Jose Ramirez Barreto’s header proving to be the clincher in extra time (108th). Towards close of regulation time, ONGC’s Jatin Singh Bisht (83) struck a goal out of nowhere to stretch the match into extra time. Mondal, with his swirling left-footer, sent the ball in after he dodged past Bagan defender Peter Ofafe.

Earlier, Bagan went into lead after ONGC’s Gulidum Rongomai committed harakiri with a self-goal (32). The Bagan camp, led by Bhaichung Bhutia, Jose Barreto and S Venkatesh, put pressure on their rivals but ONGC thwarted them with competence. Bhutia was in good nick but was unlucky with his shots that narrowly missed the goal post. However, credit must go to ONGC custodian Rajat G Dastidar who did a splendid job under the bar today.