| - Hosts stop FCI dream run by defeating them 2-0 in final encounter | ||
Guwahati, Jan 9 : Hosts Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Mumbai, annexed the All-India Public Sector Football Tournament title defeating Food Corporation of India, New Delhi, 2-0 in the final match at Nehru Stadium here today. The FCI men, who until today were impressive on the field, looked off-colour in all aspects of the game. The ONGC side, despite some amateurish approach, dominated the proceedings throughout the match. Striker Tarif Ahmed drew first blood making no mistake in receiving a pass from C. Keniston and driving home the ball in the 18th minute. With this goal, ONGC led 1-0 into the second session when the FCI men tried to regroup for a fightback. However, their efforts did not last long against the attacking ONGC men and were soon pushed onto the back foot. FCI got a few opportunities in either half but could not break the ice because of poor finishing. The ONGC efforts yielded fruit once again when substitute Malswamdangliana found the net in the 85th minute off a pass from Kabijit Khotel. Malswamdangliana converted the pass dribbling past the FCI defence as well as goalkeeper Abdul Qadir who went off guard trying to tackle the advancing Malswamdangliana inside the goalbox. The FCI had earlier qualified for the final without losing any match in the league phase. State sports minister Bharat Chandra Narah, Assam Football Association secretary Ankur Dutta and several other dignitaries of ONGC and FCI were among those who attended the prize distribution ceremony. |
