SAI hold RWF in thriller

BDFA decision on MEG-CIL encounter today

If not for a goalkeeping error in the closing minutes, RWF could have earned the three full points. Trailing 1-2, SAI received a free-kick in the 84th minute near the corner flag on the right after Sugandar brought down SAI skipper Sridhar.

RWF custodian Saravana took his position, anticipating a cross. But Sridhar’s right-footer went towards the goal. In a hurry to get back to the goal, Saravana fumbled and the ball rolled into the net, much to the dismay of the RWF players. RWF now have four points from four matches while SAI opened their account in their fifth match.

It took time for both teams to settle time and for almost 30 minutes in the first half, play was confined to the midfield. In the 32nd minute, Kiran gave SAI a surprise lead. Kiran, who received a pass from Abrar, placed the ball to the right of Saravana.

After the break, the Railwaymen levelled the scores through Andrew in the 59th. Buoyed by the equaliser, RWF made some threatening with their moves. A couple of minutes after drawing level, RWF went ahead as Prakash, who was totally off-colour in the first half, found the back of the net with a powerful right-footer after collecting a neat through pass from Naveen Babu.

Just when it seemed as if RWF had the measure of their rivals, Sridhar restored parity with considerable help from the rival ’keeper.

The organisers said a decision on Saturday’s rain-hit match between MEG and CIL had been put off to Monday due to the BDFA elections on Sunday.

Other result: ‘A’ Division: Bangalore Mars: 1 (S Kumar 48th) drew AGORC: 1 (Alwin 54th).