Assam, Karnataka register first wins

Anil Datt

Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 11

An injury-time goal helped Assam edge out Maharashtra 3-2 in the 73rd National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

In the Group B match, Assam went ahead in the 12th minute through a Bishnu Bordolo goal. Maharashtra managed to equalise in the 54th minute through Arif Shaikh. He struck again in the 76th minute to turn the tables on Assam. However, Assam came charging back with Milan Basumatary’s equaliser two minutes later. They continued to put pressure on the Maharashtra defence and found the winner in injury-time though Sirandeep Moran.

Earlier, Karnataka overpowered Sikkim 2-0 in another Group B match. Karnataka broke the deadlock when skipper Vignesh Gunashekar scored in the 66th minute. Namgyal Bhutia’s 84th-minute goal took the game away from Sikkim.

Maria appointed national team scout

Former India international and Chandigarh footballer Sanjeev Maria has been appointed as the national team scout for the 73rd Santosh Trophy. Besides representing India, Maria played for clubs such as Mohun Bagan and Salgaocar FC.

Today’s fixtures

Delhi vs Goa (8:30am)

Services vs Odisha (4pm)