Kochin
edge past Mahindras
January 08, 1998
Indian Express
KOCHI: FC kochin escaped with a win and three points in their 2nd Philips
National Football League match against a rampaging Mahindra and Mahindra
(Mumbai) today.
Playing the first 45 minutes under scorching sun at the Jawharlal Nehru
Stdaium, FC Kochin could have been at the receiving end if it were not
for their Ghanaian goalkeeper Ali Abubakar and the 12 chances that went
abegging for their rivals. Many of those chances were safe in Ali's hands
or the defenders who came up with an excellent performance.
Kochin technical director George Blues was forced to pull back Joe
Paul Ancheri into the defence after he scored the winner in the 28th minute.
Ancheri later swapped position with KA Anson.
The only goal was the spade work of their medio Mohammed Salissu who
lobbed the ball to his skipper IM Vijayan on the right. Ancheri ran in
to head the ball into the net after Vijayan centered the ball into rival
penalty area. Mahindra goalie Gumpe Rime could do nothing. Salissu had
a chance late in the first half.
FC Kochin skipper IM Vijayan must be a disappointed man today. None
of his attempts could help his team consolidate the lead. Vijayan even
earned boos from the crowd for the display.
The 10,000-odd crowd began to applaud the Mumbai team, particularly
in the second half when the visitors swamped the rival goal area. Sanjay
Dayal even made a goalline save when a Raman Vijayan header floored Mumbai
keeper Rime.
FC Kochin's have nine points after their third win in four matches.
They will meet JCT in the next match here on Sunday. For the visitors this
is their second defeat from four matches and have only four points. They
will take on East Bengal in Mumbai.
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