City’s defenders David Mitei, Angom Singh and Sohrab Khan finally paid for inviting rival strikers inside the danger area as early as in the 10th minute when DeepakMehra’s left-footer from the centre of the box wrapped into the net. Before City’s equaliser in the second half, there were two marching orders — City’s Arup Dutta and Ranger’s Sonam for indulging in a mid-pitch violence after the referee failed to settle them.

As far as settling the scores in the field was concerned, City’s Rakesh Kanojia put his opponents in the lead by innocuously deflecting the ball into the net. As City’s defenders kept allowing Tenzing Tsering and Emmanuel free space, both failed to capitalise. But City’s otherwise reluctant-looking forward line except for Nasim Hashmi, made sure the spoils were shared—with the ball, courtesy Hashmi’s last-gasp chip over advancing goalkeeper Karma Tsering found the net.

In the first match of the day, Hindustan completed a 3-0 whitewash of Garhwal Heroes with a brace from Mahendar Kumar and Pushpender Kumar goal.