JOIN USRangdajied United poured cold water on Salgaocar’s title ambitions with a 2-1 victory in an I-League clash at the Tilak Maidan here on Saturday.
Salgaocar had taken the lead in the 81st minute through Francisco Fernandes but Rangdajied United hit back with goals from Ranti Martins in the 86th and 90th minute to scuttle the home team’s title hopes.
Salgaocar strikers Dudu Omagbemi and Darryl Duffy, as always, were combining well and created the first move within the first ten minutes.
In a swift counter-attack, Francis Fernandes relayed the ball to Dudu, who beat defender Lamine Tamba with a feint but the defender recovered to block Dudu’s booming effort.
Salgaocar got the goal they were looking out for in the 83rd minute when a corner from Bikash Jairu saw Ranti head it straight into the path of Fernandes whose shot from outside the danger zone sailed into the goal.
But they were celebrating too early as Martins began to work his magic after that moment.
The defeat for Salgaocar ensures that Bengaluru FC stay top of the league by four points with three games remaining for both teams.
Meanwhile 10-man United SC held Mohammedan Sporting to a 1-1 draw at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata.
After Mohammedans took the lead through Penn Orji (44th), United replied through a header from Biswajit Biswas (47th).
The point for both teams mean that the Mohammedan have 19 points from 21 games, with United SC having 23 points. United SC also had Lalkamal Bhowmick sent off in the 66th minute for two yellow-cards.