PANJIM, SEPT 24
Salgaocar rallied twice and held Shillong Lajong 2-2 in an exciting
Federation Cup Group D match at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Friday.
Lajong, in a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for a semi-final berth, started on a convincing note, but failed to capitalize on the chances and in the end had to share points with Karim Bencherifa’s boys, who were given a tough time.
P. M. Lallingthara scored the opening goal for the runners-up in the 14th minute and the Goan outfit trailed by a goal at the half time.
Salgaocar, who defeated Mumbai FC 2-0 in the last match was not to throw in the towel and levelled terms through their inspirational captain, Luciano Sabrosa in the 63rd minute.
The action then shifted in the last five minutes when Lajong once again went ahead in the match in the 86th minute with Boithang Haokip finding the back of the net, but their joy was shortlived as former Mohun Bagan midfielder Ryuji Sueoka snatched a point for Salgaocar scoring two minutes later.
With this draw, Salgaocar now have accumulated four points from two matches, while Lajong drew their first point in two matches.
In another match, Mumbai FC and Mohun Bagan played a goalless draw.
