Ranchi, Jul 29 (PTI) Naorem Somananda Singh’s stunning first-half strike and a second-half own goal guided Indian Air Force Football Team to a deserved 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC in a Group C fixture of the Durand Cup here on Wednesday.
Despite a late rally and a consolation goal from NM Aflal, the Airmen dominated proceedings for long spells and claimed all three points.
Indian Air Force FT’s intent was evident from the opening whistle.
The Airmen immediately took control of proceedings, pinning the Sri Lankan side deep inside their own half.
In the 25th minute, a defensive lapse by Defenders FC’s Sampath Kumara gifted possession to Somananda, who made no mistake.
The forward unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from outside the
box to break the deadlock and hand the Airmen a thoroughly deserved lead.
Defenders FC spent the remainder of the first half on the back foot.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Airmen dictating the tempo and searching for a second goal.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 68th minute when a dangerous cross from the left caused panic inside the penalty area.
In an attempt to clear the danger, Defenders FC defender KDS Sankalpa inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to double Indian Air Force FT’s advantage.
The contest, however, took an unexpected turn just two minutes later.
Completely against the run of play, Defenders pulled a goal back through a brilliantly executed counter-attack.
Aflal intercepted a long ball, raced through on goal and produced a composed finish to reduce the deficit and breathe new life into the match.
The visitors threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but their late fightback ultimately proved insufficient. PTI UNG TAP
