Ranti tricks for Dempo; JCT stunned

PANJIM, SEPT 21
I-League champions, Dempo SC came from behind to resister an emphatic 5-2 victory over ONGC in their opening Federation Cup Group C league match at Guru Nanak Stadium  on Tuesday.
Ranti Martins scored a fluent hat-trick before Babatunde bagged a brace for the Oilmen. Beto and Joaquim Abranches were the other scorers for Dempo.
ONGC took a surprise lead in the 17th through Babtunde, while Beto restored parity in the 33rd minute.
Babatunde was again in the thick of action as he netted in his second goal in the 41st.
Dempo retaliated strongly in the second half with Ranti Martins finding the back of the net thrice. Ranti, first brought his side back on level terms in the 56th, while he put his side in front for the first time converting from the spot in the 75th.
There was no stopping to the Dempo’s Nigerian striker as he completed his hat-trick three minutes later, before Abranches completed the rout in the 89th minute.
HAL, Bangalore produced the first biggest upset as they rallied home to a 1-0 victory over Pune FC in a Group A encounter at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
Abdulla Hamza scored the winner in the 17th minute.
Defending champions, East Bengal gave a perfect start to their campaign scoring a comfortable 3-1 victory against Air India in another  Group A match.
Tolgay Ozbey scored a brace for the reigning champions, while Robin Singh added another one for the Kolkata giants before Vijith Shetty scored a consolation goal down the wire for the Airmen.
India XI edged past JCT by a solitary goal to register their first win at Guru Nanak Stadium.
After a pale first half Malswmfela scored the winner for the India XI from a goalmouth melee in the 76th minute.
India XI successfully held to their one goal advantage to move second in the Group C points tally with three points.
Tomorrow, Salgaocar will meet Mumbai.