TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Salgaocar rode on a superb header by striker Chidi Edeh in the 26th minute to pip spirited Prayag United 1-0 in a 19th round I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Monday.
Salgaocar started in their customary attacking fashion and dominated the opening session. First, Ryuji Sueoka’s smart header missed the mark narrowly after Ishfaq Ahmed had sent a floater inside the penalty box. Later, in the 15th minute midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed unleashed a snap shot which missed by few inches.
The lone goal came in the 26th minute when Prayag United defender Justine Stephen fouled Salgaocar midfielder Francis Fernandes. Off the resultant free kick taken by midfielder Randeep Singh, Chidi beautifully headed home.
Salgaocar could have doubled the score but Chidi’s smart drive was averted by goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal who dived at the feet of the striker.
Prayag United exhibited better play after the break as they went on searching the equaliser. However, they were thwarted by referee Denny Jacob and poor finishing by their forwards.
Prayag came close to restoring parity when Josimar Da Silva Martins put Yakubu Yusif through. The later, outpaced his markers and let go a booming shot
which was blocked by man-of-the-match Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit Singh.
Prayag had another good chance but midfielder Denson Devadas failed to guide his header off a well executed flag kick taken by James Singh.
Prayag continued to press hard and Yakubu Yusif, Shankar Oraon, Mohammed Rafiqie and Josimar forced Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit Singh to bring diving saves.
Prayag nearly found the equaliser in the 62nd minute but Josimar spurned the easiest chance when he headed out with an open goal from hand-shaking distance.
A minute later it was the story of another missed chance. Following a swift cross from Sukhen Dey, James Singh chested the ball but Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit averted the danger with a fine anticipation.
Prayag winger Shankar Oaron sped past his marker and sent a measured through pass which eluded both Salgaocar central defender Khelemba Singh and Sobrosa. Josimar was about to dribble past goalkeeper Karanjit who deliberately stopped him but the referee overlooked it, inviting protests from the visiting team but to no avail.
Prayag created scoring opportunities but Josimar and Mohammed Rafique wasted chances with only the rival goalkeeper to beat.
Salgaocar had their chances but Prayag goalkeeper Abhijit denied Chidi and substitute Gilbert Oliveira.
With this win, Salgaocar collected 33 points from 19 matches while Prayag are on 32 points.
Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa heaved a sigh of relief after the match. He was thrilled with three points and attributed the victory for the collective brilliance of the players. “The boys played well and though there were moments of uncertainty, they quickly regrouped and settled well,” said Bencherifa.
Prayag coach Sanjoy Sen was more aggressive in his approach and said that the referee had killed their chances. “That foul by Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit on striker Josimar in the penalty area should have been a spot kick. The referee overlooked. It was a blunder,” said Sen. “I will complain to the AIFF about the incident. Referee Denny was not fair in his decisions.”
