Olalekan strike grounds A-I

Partha Das, who played his first match of the season after undergoing an operation, played well under the bar especially in the second half when he intercepted two fine salvos.

Air-India, inspite of injuries to their key players, played well throughout especially in the second half where they had an edge over their rivals in the midfields.

With this win, Salgaocar has put the league wide open as they have 24 points from 14 matches.

Mohun Bagan, who also have 24 pointsfrom 12 matches, head the table with a better goal difference. Air-India after this defeat were tied up with 21 points along with East Bengal but were behind the latter on account of inferior goal difference. Air-India Subir Singh was shown yellow card by referee Gulab Chauvan for rough tackle.

Salgaocar, with better scoring chances in the first half, could have taken the lead in the 6th minute. Venkatesh from the middle send a pass to Bruno Coutinho on the left who relayed to Samir Abbas inside the box. Samir, who was well positioned, failed to take a first time shot which was cleared for a corner by defender Ajay Acharya.

A-I, without the services of their key players including defender Khambiton Singh, played well throughout and held an edge over the midfield especially in the latter part of the second half and made their first move in the 10th minute.