A goal by Nigerian import Jamesh Agbo Ugwu helped Mohun Bagan beat Indian Bank, Chennai, 1-0 and advance into the quarter-finals of the Federation Cup Football Championship in Bangalore on Friday.
Ugwu and Roberto Mendes Silva of Brazil combined well to set up the match-winning goal in the 37th minute. With Silva passing the ball in the goal area, Ugwu seized the opportunity and slammed it into the net.
Two minutes later, Basu Deb Mondal made a good effort to increase Bagan's tally, but bank custodian Felix Edward thwarted him.
Bagan, 11 times winners of the Federation Cup, did not allow their rivals any leeway and were on the attack right from the beginning.
In the eighth minute, Ugwu attempted to land the ball into the net through a reverse kick, but bank defender D Ravanan cleared the ball.
Indian Bank keeper Edward effected a splendid save when Mehtab Hossian hammered a powerful shot in the 17th minute.
The bankmen had a close look at the Bagan citadel in the 36th minute but M Sudeesh's effort was blocked by custodian Subrata Paul. Apart from this, they did not have much success in attacking the ban goal in the first half.
Bagan, which sensed no threat from the bankmen, rested their star forward Silva in the 60th minute.
