Air India hold Vasco

Down by a goal at the breather, Bombay champions Air India rallied splendidly in the second half to hold formidable Arlem-sponsored Vasco Sports Club of Goa to a 1-1 draw in a third round match of the fifth National Football League at the Nehru stadium, in Fatorda, Goa, on Saturday.

Uzbekistan recruit -- medio Khashimov Vazbek scored for Vasco in the 30th minute while substitute Narendra Meetei restored parity for the airmen in the 53rd minute.

Following the draw, Vasco took their tally to five points, having won one match and drawn two.

Air India have four points from as many matches.

Vasco, who have improved with each outing, did extremely well to maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament. They could have won comfortably but their forwards were lethargic in the first half. They should have forged ahead in the 20th minute but medio Gregory Clark, with only goalkeeper Yusuf Ansari to beat, failed.

However, they did score seven minutes later through Kashimov Avazbek, who, after intercepting a cross from Ravi Babu on the left flank, shot home.

Vasco could have increased their lead in the 37th minute had striker Edson Wandarely's header not sailed over the bar following a flag-kick by Kashimov Avazbek.

Then, two minutes before the breather Air India's goalkeeper brought off a fine save off Clark's attempt.

Air India's midfield failed miserably in the opening session, as neither Tumbo Singh nor Bungo Singh displayed any purpose in their play.

After a change of ends, Air India regrouped well and played spiritedly, with an emphasis on attack for the first 15 minutes. They could have levelled the score in the 47th minute when international Khalid Jamil moved down with the ball dangerously, dodging past the entire rival defence. However, his pile-driver missed the mark by whisker.

In the 53rd minute, the visitors restored parity through substitute medio Narendra Meetei, who was brought in place of Bungo Singh. Following a throw-in by Henry Picardo, Anthony Fernandes headed to Narendra, who headed the ball into the net.

Stung by the equaliser, Vasco came back strongly almost regained the lead in the 60th minute, but striker Wanderley's power-packed shot crashed into the framework following a pass from Clark.