
MUMBAI, JUNE 2: Bandra Packers defeated Hotel Centaur 1-0 in a pre-quarter-final encounter of the MDFA-conducted Air-India Trophy football tournament at the St Xavier8217;s ground, Parel, today.
Packers scored the all-important goal rather fortunately in the 25th minute. A goalmouth melee ensured following a corner taken by John Pinto. Clarie Remedious headed the ball goalwards and Roy Dias deflected the header home.
In the second session, Centaur forwards tried hard to pierce the Packers8217; defence. But the Packers8217; defence, in which Altaf M Ansari stood like a rock, was calm and controlled.
Once when all seemed lost for Packers, Blaise Vessaokar brought off a goalline save for the Bandra side.
Packers also were unfortunate when it came to their attack. Attempts by the Packers8217; forwards were thwarted by Centaur custodian Bharat Pede who had a good match.
Bandra Packers now run into Chembur English in the quarter-finals, scheduled to be held on Saturday.