Salgaocar, Garwhal Heroes record wins in Durand Cup

New Delhi : Salgaocar SC recorded a facile 3-1 win over Air India while Garwhal Heroes shocked Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1 in the quarterfinal league matches of the 123rd Durand Cup football tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Thursday ..

After a barren first half in the group D match, Marcus Mascarenhas opened the scoring in the 54th minute to put Salgaocar in lead, seven minutes before Japanese recruit Sueoka Ryuji doubled the Goan side`s lead. Ghanaian Yusif Yakubu then took the match beyond the Airmen`s reach with his injury-time strike. Air India captain Vijith Shetty reduced the margin by scoring a consolation goal in the dying minutes of the game.In the day`s other match, Ashish Pandey (8th) and captain Gangamlung Kamei (84th) scored a goal apiece to help Garwhal Heroes overcome Sporting Clube de Goa. Mackroy Peixoto pulled one back for the Goans. While Salgaocar struggled to capitalise on the chances they created, Air India lacked both in attack as well as defense. The change of ends saw a rejuvenated Salgaocar taking charge of the proceedings and Mascarenhas` strike off Sueoka`s teasing cross provided an indication of things to come.Despite taking the lead, Salgaocar players seemed a worried lot as their scorer had to be substituted after a collision with Air India goalkeeper Kunal Sawant. Thoi Singh, coming in as Mascarenhas` replacement, however, ensured the momentum remained with Salgaocar. Taking advantage of Air India`s fragile defence, Sueoka placed his left-footer to the left of Sawant. In Friday’s fixtures, Army Red face MEG, Bangalore, while Pune FC will lock horns with Indian Air Force. PTI