the goan I network
MARGAO
Mohun Bagan trounced Salgaocar FC 3-0 in the Elite League Under-18 final round match of Group D at SAG ground, Utorda on Wednesday.
Salgaocar held a slight edge initially and enjoyed a better share of ball possession.They got the first major chance to break the deadlock when Valentino Nazareth attempted a snap-shot inside the box but the ball went just over and later Chaitan Komarpant failed the to push the ball into the back of the net.
At the other end, Mohun Bagan took time to settle down and once they struck a rhythm; the Kolkata outfit called the shots as Subha Ghosh saw his snap-shot miss the target narrowly. A minute before the half time break, Salgaocar nearly broke the deadlock when striker Valentino Nazareth unleashed a blistering shot, but it was well-blocked by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Avijth Debnath.
Crossing over, Mohun Bagan showed an attacking intent and got enough opportunities through their forwards and their breakthrough through came in the 53rd minute when Deep Saha punished the Salgaocar goalkeeper Utkarsh Deshmukh.
Spurred by the lead, Mohun Bagan upped the ante and two minutes later, Shubha Ghosh ‘s smart header was saved by the rival goalkeeper. Down 0-1, Salgaocar FC went all out in search of the equaliser but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Avijit Debnath came to his side’s rescue by palming away substitute Sheldon Pereira’s header. In the 86th minute, Anirban Das made it 2-0. Sourav Das rounded off the scoreline.
Meanwhile, Minerva Punjab FC trounced Reliance Foundation Young Champs 3-0 in Group B at Nagoa Panchayat Sports Complex. There was no score at half time.
Minerva Punjab FC were a dominant lot and created several goal-scoring chances and broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Luntinmang Haokip bulged the net. Spurred by the lead, Minerva Punjab FC intensified their attacks and pushed the rival defenders on the back foot. Abhishek Verma doubled the lead in the 56th minute. Minerva Punjab FC scored their third goal in the injury time when Haokip converted from the spot to register his brace.
