Prayag rally to stun Bagan

Resilient Lajong snatch a point from Salgaocar

Prayag United SC came back from a one-goal deficit to beat Mohun Bagan 2-1 for their second successive win in the sixth edition of I-League at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Friday. 

In the absence of Nigerian defender Bello Rasaq, who was red-carded in their previous match, Prayag’s backline looked sloppy as Odafa Okolie gave Mohun Bagan a 19th minute lead. But Sukhen Dey’s strike seven minutes later turned it around for United as they settled the issue through man of the match Kayne Vincent in the 42nd minute.

However, Prayag’s equaliser appeared to be an own goal by Bagan defender Khelemba Meetei in a tussle with Ranty Martins.  Even the green-and-maroon side’s coach Santosh Kashyap admitted it was a ‘mistake’ by their defender but the match commissioner RD Sow awarded the goal to Dey.

Admitting that the forward duo of Odafa and Ozbey lacked fitness, Kashyap sought more time. Prayag coach Sanjoy Sen was all excited after their back-to-back wins and said they were the title favourites this time around. After two rounds, Prayag now have six points while Bagan are yet to open their account. 

Lajong hold Salgaocar

Shillong Lajong FC came from behind to snatch away a point from Salgaocar FC after they held the Goan giants to a 1-1 draw at the JN Sports Complex.  With Friday’s result Lajong have four points from two matches while Salgaocar have one point from two matches.
In the 52nd minute Angel Guirado converted a freekick.

But their joy was shattered a minute later when Ebi Theopillus Sukore made no mistake to convert a cross volley from Sushil Kumar Singh at the back of the net.

Dempo crush Sporting

Defending champions Dempo SC scored a resounding 5-0 win over Sporting Clube de Goa in their second round match at Nehru Stadium.

Dempo scored through Anthony Pereira (15th), Ryuji Sueoka (22nd), Clifford Miranda (70th, 74th) and substitute Koko Sakibo (injury time).