Mahindra United had to be satisfied with a 1-1 draw in their I-League opener against Air India on Sunday, while East Bengal started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Viva Kerala in Barasat. In another match, Churchill Brothers defeated Sporting Clube de Goa 3-0 in Margao.The Mumbai derby between Mahindra and Air India started with Air India posing problems for their fancied local rivals. As early as the 8th minute, Air India got a chance to take the lead. Midfielder Paresh Shivalkar’s header went off target from a throw-in from Uttam Singh. Within minutes, Shilvalkar came close to scoring again as his kick grazed the crossbar. Mahindra were quick to recover from these early attacks, and in the 32nd minute, star forward Yusuf Yakubu tested goalkeeper EC Sharath. Yakubu directed winger KN Ajayan to the second post but Sharath was equal to the challenge. But the very next minute, the goalkeeper wasn’t lucky. Off a Sanju Pradhan deft corner, an unmarked Bashiru Abbas headed the ball into goal to give Air-India a 1-0 lead. However, Mahindra returned to the field with more purpose after the break. Halfway through the second half, Air India coach Bimal Ghosh made a decision that had an impact on the result of the game. By substituting Pradhan and Bashiru within minutes, Mahindra got a chance to find a way back. Within a minute of the change, Mahindra struck. Douhou Pierre sent a cross to Yakubu, making the scoreline 1-1. In Barasat, East Bengal ensured three points with a 2-0 victory over a spirited Viva Kerala outfit, thanks to an excellent display by substitute Asim Biswas and Jayanta Sen, who was chosen today’s Man of the Match. Brazilian striker Edmilson Marques and Alvito D Cunha struck the winners in the 73rd and 79th minutes. But the quality the red-and-gold brigade displayed today should cause worry for coach Subrata Bhattacharya, particularly new recruit South African World Cupper and striker Mcdonald Mukansi. He was substituted after 65 minutes today.In Kolkata, Mohun Bagan start as favourites for their inaugural I-League clash against JCT tomorrow.
