Eduardo goal saves Sporting

NISA, Oil India play out an exciting 1-1 draw

Playing against one of the oldest and most decorated clubs of India, ONGC appeared thoroughly prepared for the strong challenge, the Mumbai side fighting toe-to-toe against the experienced Kolkata side at the Bangalore Football stadium.

The teams matched each other in terms of possession and control, but both will rue the host of missed opportunities that, if taken, could have swung the contest either way.
While Sporting did make some fine forays, their over-dependence on Brazilian Eduardo was clearly evident in their bid to win as many free-kicks around the danger area as possible. The mid-fielder did live up to expectations, supplying crosses at regular intervals, but his efforts were equally well met by the ONGC defence.

ONGC tended to rely more on counter-attacks. While strikers Kenistan C and Badmas Babatunde did surprise Sporting with raw pace, their hasty finishing did cost them on numerous occasions.

ONGC kicked themselves into the lead when medio A Naresh stole the ball from the edge of the box, foxed defender Debkumar Sasmal by moving to his right and powered it home in the 32nd minute.

ONGC could have gone 2-0 up five minutes later had not Kenistan missed a sitter. Babtunde let slip another chance with a bad first-touch a minute later.
ONGC had another great chance in the second half to flatten Sporting when Babtunde charged into the box, but the Nigerian lost control again. Immediately afterwards, Parwinder Singh shot wide from close range in the 72nd minute. All those misses came back to haunt them when Nilendra Dewan was fouled on the edge of the box, setting a perfect stage for Eduardo, who scooped the ball superbly over the defensive wall into the net in the 74th.

Eduardo then had a glorious chance to end the day as the sole hero, but his right-footer missed the goal by a yard in the final minute of regulation time.

NISA, Oil India draw
In the day’s second match, North Imphal Sporting Association and Oil India fought out a fascinating 1-1 draw.  F Wary handed Oil India the lead in the 34th minute while KSH Malemnganba restored parity for NISA seven minutes later.
DH News Service