Jude goal ends ITI challenge

BMFC clinched their place earlier, winning 1-0 over Jagatjit Cotton Textile JCT Mills Phagwara in Group D8217;s concluding match that can be described an exercise in boredom. Nigerian striker Emeka Achelifu scored past goalkeeper Baljit Singh in the sixth minute after latching on to Shaikh Sanjeeb8217;s pass in what appeared to be a suspiciously off-side position.

Playing under floodlights, Salgaocar took an early lead through striker William Inganga. TheKenyan, accepting stopper Francis Coelho8217;s diagonal, beat goalkeeper Balaji from close range in the ninth minute.

Salgaocar8217;s hopes of cantering through to the semis were given a jolt when ITI hit back through striker RC Prakash in the 34th minute. A fine cross from the left and a composed volley past goalkeeper Bharat Morjee brought the proceedings alive.

The Bangalore side then had the Goans8217; suspect defence under pressure for long spells, culminating in a frantic surge for goal as the seconds ticked away for half-time.

A burst of energy after the break must have gladdened the hearts of Air-India. The airmen, the third team in the group, must have hoped for a shock ITI victory that would give them a place in the semi-finals.

But Salgaocar8217;s experience told. And with former Indian skipper Bruno Coutinho8217;s verve and control, along with fellow striker Odegah and mid-fielder8217;s Inganga8217;s surges, the Goans staved off any happenings from the realms of fantasy. Least of all, a defeat by a five-goal marginthat would have brought the Bangalore team the group8217;s lone semi-final slot.

The gifted striker Coutinho rocked ITI8217;s citadel and goalkeeper Balaji in the 55th minute as Salgaocar exerted pressure. But in a counter, ITI went close to snatching the lead.

E Abraham drew anguish from ITI fans and those of Air-India8217;s when he slotted past a charging Bharat Morje but inches wide of the far post.

Advantage Salgaocar once again as a corner paved way for the winning goal in the 61st minute. Mid-fielder Dennis Cabral sent a straight-forward flag kick into the box and slipping and sliding, Salgaocar8217;s Nigerian striker Odegah nudged the ball past Balaji amid a static defence.

The goal broke ITI8217;s rhythm and the game turned Salgaocar8217;s way after that. Jules Alberto, coming in for Cabral, rocked the bar with a left-footer from 25 yards and in a surge of buoyancy, attempted to find the net from long distances a couple of times more.