Kolkata/Pune/Bangalore/Goa: The fifth edition of the I-League has kicked-off, and in style. Super Cup Champions Kingfisher East Bengal disappointed their home fans in the first match when they went down to Churchill Brothers by a solitary goal at the Salt Lake Stadium scored by ND Opara in the 13th minute.
The Goan team dominated early proceedings and even after Opara had put it past rival goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh for an early lead, the pair of Opara and Gabon International Henry Arnaud tested the East Bengal defence posing continuous threats.
East Bengal took time to settle down and once they did, striker Tolgay Ozbey had even headed the ball into the net off a corner only to be disallowed by the linesman.
However, East Bengal came with more purpose in the second half but were denied by an acrobatic Churchill goalkeeper Felix early. And then, Tolgay struck the crossbar with an effort from inside the box in the 57th minute.
Churchill did survive some anxious moments in the dying minutes. Churchill’s Antun Kovacic was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match.
Earlier, the Opening Ceremony set the tone for the kick-off. Some excellent performances by the Dhakis, Bandage and Nachiketa entertained all including the Chief Guest Leander Paes.
DEMPO BEAT SALGAOCAR 1-0: In Margao, former Champions Dempo SC defeated Defending Champions 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Ranti Martins, the winner of the Golden Boot in the last edition made the difference between the two teams in the 80th minute. Ranti tapped it past rival goalkeeper Karanjit Singh in a one-to-one situation.
Both teams did have their chances but Dempo were eventually rewarded for their perseverance. Dependable defender Mahesh Gawli was awarded the Man-of-the-Match.
CHIRAG KERALA BEAT HAL 1-0: In Bangalore, Chirag Kerala defeated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 1-0. CK Vineet capitalizing on a defensive lapse, scored the winner in the 13th minute. HAL did go all out in the second half but failed to open the goalmouth. Some stubborn defending from Chirag’s central defenders – Dzisah and Bookaye saw them through.
LAJONG HOLD PUNE FC: At the Balewadi Sports Complex Shillong Lajong Football Club celebrated their return to the I-League holding hosts Pune FC to a goalless draw in Pune. Both sides had decent chances, but failed to convert them and they had to be content with a point apiece.
Being the first match of the 2011-12 season, there was a buzz of anticipation around the Balewadi Stadium, where both teams hoped to put up a spectacular show.
As expected, Shahinlal Meloly started in goal for Pune FC for Subrata Paul, who will be out for a considerable amount of time. In his absence, midfielder Shanmugam Venkatesh wore the Captain’s armband.
Pune FC’s Baldeep Singh received the first caution of the game for rough play in the 20th minute.
The rest of the half saw both the teams having decent amount of possession, but nothing to show for it. The game was played mainly in midfield with both teams content with long-range attempts.
On changing ends, Lajong put some serious pressure on the home team’s defence but the Pune FC defenders did well to keep the trio of James Gbilee, John Menyongar and Christopher at bay. Defender Chika Wali with Gurjinder did well in manning the rivals.
The home team had their chances too, with skipper Venkatesh acting as a catalyst. He was the chief source of all the chances Pune FC created. Striker Douhou Pierre had two decent chances for the Pune team, but he scuffed his attempts on both occasions.
For Pune FC, stand-out performer was undoubtedly their goal-keeper Meloly, whose numerous valiant saves not only prevented the hosts from going down, but also earned him the Man-of-the-Match honour.