Salgaocar in first Durand Cup final

A one-goal pad so early in the match was a good enough catalyst for Salgaocar,who moved forward through Santos, Jules Alberto and Gbenga Lawal in the initial part of the game. Santos, who was rather inspired after the goal, found a weak link in Jewel Rana in the Bagan defence and repeatedly tried to make his way into the Bagan box past the Bangladesh veteran.

However, Bagan soon organised themselves and started attacking from the wings. Lolendro Singh created a number of moves from the left. Dipendu Biswas, who replaced a limping Stephen Abarowei in the 24th minute, also tried to exploit the left flank. A Biswas move in the 39th minute almost fetched the equaliser. The striker’s cross was just perfect for Abdul Khaleque at the top of the six-yard box. Roque Pereira came from nowhere to clear it before Khaleque could even make an attempt.

Shabbir Ali made two changes in his starting line-up today, bringing in Jules Alberto and Roberto Fernandes. Both were part of the Indian team which played in the Asia Cup qualifiers. Ali also tried out his two injured players Venkatesh and AlvitoD’Cunha. Although Venkatesh did play briefly earlier, Cunha had his first feel of the Durand Cup. It turned out to be a memorable one too as he had a say in Salgaocar’s second goal in the 54th minute. D’Cunha’s long-range punch bounced off Bagan goalkeeper Hemant Dora’s chest and Jules Alberto placed it in.