IB stun FC Kochin
February 25, 1998 The Indian Express CHENNAI: Indian Bank shocked F C Kochin 3-1 in a Philips National Football
League match played under floodlights at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here
this evening. The bankmen surprised Kochin in the last eight minutes through
two goals from Karunakar Raju and Amal Raj when the teams looked like splitting
points with a goal each. Indian Bank were the first to notch a goal in
the sixth minute through the Maldivian Ismail Mahfooz, but FC Kochi equalised
in the 42nd minute utilising a defensive lapse with Raman Vijayan heading
in. F C Kochin almost scored of their very first move but Raman Vijayan
was caught napping. I M Vijayan sped down the right and his measured cross
was well accepted by Raman but the latter relayed the ball outside with
his right foot with only goal-keeper Felix Edward to beat. It was Indian
Bank who drew first blood. Hamilton Bobby dashed through the middle, got
possession of the ball and lobbed to Karunakar Raju who put it across to
Shabir. Shabir moved further down beforecrossing the ball from the left
flank. Goal-keeper Ali Abubaker failed to intercept and Mahfooz was able
to kick the ball which went past Mohammed Shaffeq. The bankmen played like
men possessed and kept the rivals at bay for another 36 minutes before
a defence lapse helped F C Kochi drew level in the 42nd minute. Following
a combined move, defender Firoze lobbed inside the box and Raman Vijayan
was quick to put his head to it for a goal. Bobby's shot towards the goal
went off K A Anson's right leg and with Abdul Kareem and Jo Paul Ancheri
looking at the deflected ball, Karunakar Raju darted in and his shot went
in with Abubaker out of position.
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