Dec 21: A brace each by Skipper Ranti Martins and prolific striker Chidi Edeh set the tone for table-toppers Dempo Sports Club, Goa which outplayed spirited Air India to score a convincing 4-1 victory over their opponents in the seventh round match of the ONGC I-League at the Cooperage ground here on Thursday.
With this win, Dempo took their tally to 17 points in seven games. The Goan outfit had a serene first-half against the dangerous Mumbai side in their away match. Chidi Edeh and captain Ranti Martins, the Goa club’s African strikers, displayed their upfront rapport in tandem. Air-India now has seven points.
It was Chidi Edeh who used his sheer power to take his team ahead by scoring the opening goal when the Mumbai team’s defence made a mess of a cross. Chidi scored from inside the six-yard box. Air India restored parity at the stroke of lemon break when Bashiru well directed header slotted by Njoh Jean on its way.
Air-India’s gritty defence disintegrated after Dempo went ahead due to a lucky break for Chidi saw the ball deflect in off defender Dhanachandra Singh’s knee, leaving behind custodian Ekka.
From thereon, Dempo dominated the game. Injured climax did all the groundwork to give a fine pass from left wing to the other flank. The Dempo captain ran in smoothly to finish off the day’s best goal.
Air India’s strong department that has given them four draws and a victory - defence - had a bad day at office. It was breached several times and suffered the ignominy of handing the team one of their worst defeats.
RESULT: Air India 1 (Njoh Jean 45) - Dempo 4 (Chidi Edeh 36, 62, Ranti Martins 69, 78).
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