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I-League: Mohun Bagan struggle to their first win of the season
A Mickey Fernandes own goal gave Mohun Bagan their first win of the season -- a much-needed one -- in the third round match of the I-League, at the Balewadi Sports Complex stadium, in Pune, on Sunday.
What seemed like a clean goal from Bagan's Nigerian striker Odafa Okolie initially was later confirmed that it was an own goal by Air India's Fernandes.
The deflection from Fernandes not only handed host Air India their third straight loss, but the win for Bagan helped them to climb up to the 10th position in the points table.
Both the teams had started their I-League season with a disappointing note, and with three points on the table, Bagan can now heave a sigh of relief.
It was a mixed day for Air India goalkeeper Gagandeep Singh as he saved a couple of good shots. Okolie, who hasn't been in good form of late, looked to be in a much better shape on Sunday. In the first half, Okolie dominated and had around three shots on target. However, he seemed unlucky with scoring goals.
Dempo edge past United Sikkim
Riding on two controversial decisions, an under-par Dempo SC overcame a stubborn United Sikkim FC 2-1 with goals from their foreign players Koko Sakibo and Ryuji Sueko at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.
Koko Sakibo gave the defending champions the lead with a powerful header from close range in the 21st minute and Sueko converted a penalty in the injury time to ensure that Dempo SC return home with 3 full points.
Nurudeen Salau had restored parity for United Sikkim in the 57th minute and it looked like the I-League debutants would snatch one valuable point from Dempo but went down fighting as a penalty was aqarded against them in the 93rd minute.
In another match, Sporting Clube De Goa came from behind to pocket three full points at JN Sports Complex, in Shillong. They beat Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 before a packed stadium.
It was in the added minute of the first half Lajong took the lead after Gbeneme Friday headed home a volley from Ebi Theopillus Sukore.
However, after the lemon break, it was the visitors who dominated the proceedings and were able to clinch the equalize in the 53rd minute of the game through a header from Ogba Kalu. In the 71st minute, Dawson Fernandes scored the all-important winner for Sporting Clube de Goa.
Salgaocar split points with Pailan
Salgaocar Sports Club had to settle for a goalless draw against Pailan Arrows at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
Looking for their first win in this year's competition, Salgaocar started strongly but poor finishing coupled with some agile goalkeeping by the Pailan custodian Soram Poirei meant the home side had to take only a point. Salgaocar are now without a win for three matches while Pailan Arrows, after a two match win streak, dropped points for the first time.
Coach Peter Valles made no significant changes to the team which he inherited from Karim Bencherifa but the hosts could not make any significant progress throughout the 90-minute duel.
Whenever they were presented with an opportunity, the strikers shot wide, hit the post, or found that the Pailan Arrows goalkeeper Soram Poirei Angamba was a hard nut to crack.
Salgaocar now have two points from three matches while Pailan Arrows, who are unbeaten, have seven points at the end of the third round.