PANJIM, MAY 21
Two first half goals from Badmus Babatunde and former India international Tarif Ahmed paved the way for ONGC’S maiden I-League berth after they successfully overcame Sesa challenge 2-0 in a sixth round match at KSFA stadium, Bangalore on Friday.
ONGC thus became the first team to qualify for the next edition of the I-League after registering a fluent victory. They have 16 points from six matches, while HAL and Vasco will vie for the second spot in the seventh and final round.
Vasco will have to win their match against Mohammedan Sporting, while HAL just need a point against Sesa Football Academy.
ONGC continued their undefeated streak and started the match in spectacular fashion, when their Nigerian striker Babatunde picked A. Naresh pass to slot home the opener in the 4th minute.
On the other hand, Inacio Colaco right footer went over the woodwork as Sesa came close to level the terms five minutes later.
ONGC then, doubled their lead in the 18th minute after Tarif Ahmed dodged past two Sesa defenders to send his right footer to the right of custodian Jason D’Mello.
Mohammedan Sporting’s disaster performances led them to crash out of the qualifying race after they held Malabar United to a 1-1 draw.
