CHENNAI, FEB 25: Indian Bank shocked F C Kochin 3-1 in a Philips National Football League match played under floodlights at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here this evening.The bankmen surprised Kochin in the last eight minutes through two goals from Karunakar Raju and Amal Raj when the teams looked like splitting points with a goal each.
Indian Bank were the first to notch a goal in the sixth minute through the Maldivian Ismail Mahfooz, but FC Kochi equalised in the 42nd minute utilising a defensive lapse with Raman Vijayan heading in.
F C Kochin almost scored of their very first move but Raman Vijayan was caught napping. I M Vijayan sped down the right and his measured cross was well accepted by Raman but the latter relayed the ball outside with his right foot with only goal-keeper Felix Edward to beat.
It was Indian Bank who drew first blood. Hamilton Bobby dashed through the middle, got possession of the ball and lobbed to Karunakar Raju who put it across to Shabir. Shabir moved further down beforecrossing the ball from the left flank. Goal-keeper Ali Abubaker failed to intercept and Mahfooz was able to kick the ball which went past Mohammed Shaffeq.
The bankmen played like men possessed and kept the rivals at bay for another 36 minutes before a defence lapse helped F C Kochi drew level in the 42nd minute. Following a combined move, defender Firoze lobbed inside the box and Raman Vijayan was quick to put his head to it for a goal.
Bobby's shot towards the goal went off K A Anson's right leg and with Abdul Kareem and Jo Paul Ancheri looking at the deflected ball, Karunakar Raju darted in and his shot went in with Abubaker out of position.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
