Thaindian News

Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) Goa’s Salgaocar breezed past Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 4-0 to register their maiden win in the 33rd Federation Cup football championship Tuesday.

Pailan Arrows, the youngest team in the Federation Cup, defeated Mumbai FC 2-1, while Sporting Clube De Goa struck in the dying minutes to edge past Chirag United Kerala 1-0. In another match, Air India and Prayag United finished goalless.

The one-sided group B game at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune saw defending I-League champions Salgaocar going all guns blazing from the outset.

They went ahead 1-0 when Ryuji Suekoa converted from the spot in the 26th minute after Chidi Edeh was brought down in the box.

The goal boosted the Goans who struck two more in the next six minutes. First Rocus Lamare doubled the lead in the 29th minute and then in the 32nd minute, Chidi Edeh made it 3-0 with a diving header.

Chidi met a low Gilbert Oliviera centre in the air and headed it the other way past rival goalkeeper Pramod.

Up 3-0 at the breather, Salgaocar scored a further insurance goal in the 52nd minute with Captain Luciano Sabrosa heading in.

After two games, Salgaocar now move to four points, while HAL are yet to open their account.

Arrows, who have impressed one and all in the tourney so far, scored once in each half, to win their second match at Pune venue.

The opened up a lead as early as the eighth minute, courtesy Jibon Singh, whose rasping shot was deflected into the net by Mumbai FC defender Kingsley Choma.

Crossing over, C.S. Sabeeth’s grounder from over 30 yards beat a diving goalkeeper Ishan Debnath in the 53rd minute to make the scoreline 2-0 in the group B tie.

Lalawmpuia pulled one back for Mumbai FC in the 79th minute.

After two games, Arrows have logged six points, while Mumbai FC stay on one point.

In Group D, Sporting Clube De Goa rode on Kalu Ogba’s 86th minute strike to put it across Chirag United Kerala at the Salt Lake Stadium. With this victory, Sporting’s points kitty have swelled to six from two matches while the Kerala team are yet to open their account.

The earlier match in the same group at the venue saw both Air India and Prayag muff up several scoring opportunities. While Prayag dominated the proceedings in the first session, Air India had the major share of exchanges post half time of the group D contest.

Having played two matches each, Prayag now move to four points, three more than Air India