Salgaocar humble Aircraftmen

HASCs hopes of qualifying for Fed Cup semifinals over after 0-4 loss to Goan outfit

I-League champions Salgaocar, who were held to a goalless draw by Mumbai FC in their opening match on Sunday, ran out comfortable winners as they attacked the rival defence almost at will at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

With the loss, HASC’s chances of making the semifinals have disappeared while Salgaocar, who have four points, still remain in the hunt to make the last-four.
Once Ryuji Suekoa converted from the spot in the 26th minute after Chidi Edeh was brought down in the box, the second-straight penalty conceded by the Aircraftmen after they gave away a penalty in their first match against Arrows, the floodgates opened.

The next two goals came in the next six minutes. First Rocus Lamare doubled the lead in the 29th minute and then in the 32nd minute, Chidi made it 3-0 with a diving header. Chidi dived forward to meet a low Gilbert Oliviera centre and sent it past rival goalkeeper P Pramod.

Changing over, captain Luciano Sabrosa headed in Salgaocar’s fourth goal in the 52nd minute to complete the rout.

In Kolkata, Prayag United SC dished out a lacklustre performance wasting opportunities aplenty to play out a goalless draw against Air India in a group D league fixture.

Playing before an empty gallery of the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Prayag did not show any urgency even as they had more possession against the Airmen who crashed out of the tournament following the draw.

United SC, who defeated Chirag United Kerala in their first outing, now have four points while Air India have one.

Both the teams have one match remaining in their quarterfinal league fixtures but the Airmen’s hopes have fizzled out following the draw.

With a new sponsor, United SC were let down by their striking duo of Kayne Vincent and Josimar da Silva Martins who missed two easy sitters in what could have handed them an easy victory.

Their best chance came in the 30th minute when Vincent had a nice attack from the right flank to find himself in an one-on-one position but his shot ballooned over the cross.
Vincent was immediately replaced by Yusif Yakubu but he was equally lacklustre not finding the finishing touches.