Chirag rally to hold Viva Kerala

Vasco: A late goal by Joshimar Martins helped Chirag United hold Viva Kerala to a 2-2 draw in their second match of the Group B quarterfinals league match of the 32nd Federation Cup at Tilak Maidan ground here today.

Joshimar had, in the first-half injury-time, cancelled out Chirag striker Sabeeth C S` 35th-minute goal, before Sabeeth, playing his first match, again put the Keralites ahead with a 53-minute strike. Viva Kerala looked destined to win till a moment of indiscretion on part of their defenders allowed Joshimar to head in the match-saving goal, on the 89th minute. The draw takes Chirag`s tally to four points from two matches while Viva Kerala, who lost to Churchill Brothers in their opening fixture, have one point from as many matches. After a sluggish start against Churchill, Viva Kerala on Thursday looked sharp, with their attack looking dangerous at times. They had the first chance to take the lead but Sabeeth`s header off Karma`s cross from the left went over the bar. Giving a good account of himself in his first match, Sabeeth kept the rival defense under pressure throughout the match. Chirag, who took time to settle down, restored parity in the stoppage time of the first half through Josimar, who converted from the spot, after he was brought down by Vasco`s Sharath K. 18 minutes later, Sabeeth connected a well-directed low cross from the left by Vineeth C K, which caught the Chirag defenders napping. Going all out to aviod defeat, Chirag finally found the equaliser when Joshimar headed in a Denson Devadas through. PTI