A superb brace by Nigerian defender Eric Bolwe Muputu helped Mohammedan Sporting force a 2-2 draw against Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club (HASC) in a 12th round National Football league match, for the ONGC Cup, at the BDFA stadium in Bangalore on Wednesday.
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The Kolkata challengers were at the receiving end for most part of the match, as the aircraftmen, who scored once in each half, dominated the proceedings. However, two goals in the last eight minutes by Muputu saved the day for Sporting.
HASC led 1-0 at lemon time.
The Bangalore team took the lead when striker S Sunil found the net with the match just five minutes old. He drove home a fine cross from Rajendra Prasad.
Midfielder Murali doubled it for HASC with a brilliant solo effort in the 55th minute.
However, luck eluded HASC thereafter.
Muputu held centre stage as he brought the Kolkata side back into the contest in the 82nd minute, when he pulled a goal back following a corner kick by Jatin Singh.
Five minutes later, he scored when the ball ricocheted off HASC custodian Balaji, who failed to collect his first attempt.
With this win, Mohammedan Sporting increased its tally to 11 points from 12 matches, while HASC continue to remain at the bottom of the table with seven points at the end of the 12th round.
The Bangalore lads meet defending champions Mahindra United on April 18 in their last home match.
