MARGAO: United Sports Club, Kolkata rallied from an early goal deficit to edge past Air India 2-1 in Group B quarter-finals league match in 127th Durand Cup football tournament, at panchayat ground, Raia, Friday. All the goals came in the first half.
United SC, who lost their opening match to Sporting Clube de Goa 3-2, started on an aggressive mode and just when things looked good for the Kolkata team they conceded in the third minute after Siddharth Nayak drew first blood for Air India when he punished the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish.
However, their joy was short-lived when Babun Das converted the spot-kick after Air India goalkeeper Vian Joseph brought down rival striker Surojit Bose inside the box.
United SC had the better chances and struck the match-winner in the first half stoppage time when Sujay Oraon sent a dangerously ball across the rival goal where Air India defender Santosh Koli’s effort to avert the danger failed as the latter put the ball into his own net.
Air India made a better start in the second half with Vijith Shetty’s rasping shot miss the mark narrowly.
The Air men failed to test the United SC goalkeeper and the other end defended solidly to keep their slender lead intact.
With time running out, Air India‘s Sagar Chile goal was pulled off-side by referee.
United SC who finished their league engagement finished on three points from two matches are behind Sporting Clube de Goa who also have three points but have better goal difference against United SC.
Air-India who are still to open their account play their last match on November 2 against Sporting Clube de Goa which will decide which team qualify for the knock-out stage.
