Salgaocar too good for Air India

A brace of goals by former international striker Bruno Coutinho enabled Salgaocar, Goa, to score an impressive 4-1 victory over Air India in the fifth edition of the National Football League at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Wednesday.

Salgaocar, who lost to F C Kochin 3-2 in their opening encounter, scored through Coutinho (13th and 45th minutes), Dennis Cabral (25th) and substitute Alvito D'Cunha. Anthony Fernandes scored the lone goal for Air India.

Salgaocar, who led 3-0 at half-time, could have have won by a bigger margin had Ahmed Y Tijani and Christian Okwudili utilised their chances. The woodwork also came to Air-India's rescue, when shots from Bruno and Tijani hit the post.

Coach Marcus Pacheco's wards did a brilliant job, combining to a nicety in the midfield and denied any room to Fernandes and Philips to manoeuvre whenever they made moves in the danger area.

Christian missed an open chance early in the match when he was put through by Lawrence with keeper Ansari at his mercy but shot out from close.

Salgaocar, after missing two early chances, drew first blood in the 13th minute. Dennis Cabral, who troubled the rival defence with his swift running on the right flank, sent a cross to Bruno into the box after he was fed by Christain. Bruno's powerful header hit defender Osburn D'Souza head and found the net.

They increased the lead in the 25th minute. Bruno continued from the middle and beat the rival defence with a through pass to Cabral. The hardworking Cabral, on the run, took a shot at the goal to beat keeper Ansari Ali.

Air India's midfield failed to function cohesively and they had a chance to score midway into the first half but Jamil's angular shot was pushed out of danger by Salgaocar keeper Ali Abubakar.

Air India, who played second fiddle in the first half, put up a better performance in the second and reduced the margin in the 61st minute. Tomba Singh, who worked his way on the right, sent a cross to Dubey, who shot at the goal. However, his effort was blocked by Abubakar. Off the rebound, Fernandes, who was inside the box, shot home.

Salgaocar thereafter took control over the proceedings and after missing a close chance rounded off the tally.

Christian, from the right, initiated the move with a pass to overlapping defender Roque Pereira, who after entering the box, squared to substitute Alvito D'Cunha. The latter made no mistake in finding the net.