Making full use of the scoring opportunities that came their way, minnows Indian Bank upset Vasco 2-1 to register their first victory in the eighth National Football League at the Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Monday.
Indian Bank, who collected their first full points, have just five points from 18 matches while Vasco, in seventh place, have 20 points from 17 matches.
With nothing at stake Bank strikers Amjad Hussain and k Assem troubled their rivals with sheer speed. The relegated visitors drew first blood after surviving two close shaves.
Coming from the left, captain Sabir Pasha put a through pass to Aseem, who beat a rival defender and shot past diving 'keeper Augustinho Rebello to put Indian Bank in the lead in the sixth minute.
The bankmen could have increased their lead in the 20th minute but 'keeper Augustine rose to the occasion to parry a left-footer from Amjad Hussein.
Meanwhile, Vasco created more scoring opportunities but could restore parity only through a penalty in 30th minute after missing three close chances.
The spot-kick was awarded after defender Roopesh handled the ball on the goal line to clear a Seby Dias. The resultant kick was converted by Edson Castro as both the teams were tied 1-1 at half-time.
K G Joseph scored the match-winner for the bankmen in the 74th minute when his cross deflected off Vasco's K Ajayan and bulged the net.