Godfrey stunner ends A-I8217;s barren run

MARGAO, JAN 22: Air-India must thank the skill and experience of Godfrey Perreira who scored a late winner against Dempo to haul the Mumb...

MARGAO, JAN 22: Air-India must thank the skill and experience of Godfrey Perreira who scored a late winner against Dempo to haul the Mumbai outfit out of a barren run in Group A of the Coca Cola National Football League NFL.

Playing today at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda the morale-boosting win enabled Air-India end their Goan sojourn with a richly deserved solitary-goal win. The Mumbai team were a transformed lot today, clicking as a unit while ending a depressing run of four-successive losses. Their change of fortunes today handed Dempo their second loss as both completed their first log of matches.

With the sparse crowd doing the cheering, most of which went the visitors way, Air-India8217;s defence, although suspect, played inspiringly with the coach putting Khambition Singh and Radhakrishna Dubey as stoppers and Henry Picardo and Subir Sinha playing the wings with command.

The entire first half belonged to Air-India. Dempo, on the other hand, failed to construct moves to good effect.

Godfreythreatened with a left-footer as the airmen pressed, but the Mumbai outfit rode on the thrusts of Khalid Jamil, switching flanks to good effect.

Air-India missed their best chance of the half when Rizvi8217;s half volley hit the bar after Godfrey paved way.

Changing sides, Dempo began with a flourish and within the first minute a free-kick by Stanley saw Joao going close.

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After Khalid8217;s goal8217; was disallowed for offside, the very next move produced the all-important strike.

Godfrey exploited a defensive lapse, sprinted full steam about 10 yards on the left, entered the box and brilliantly shot a left-footed carpet drive through Vikrant8217;s legs in the 78th minute.

Dempo8217;s stray, insipid attack that followed was greeted by boos from the crowd.