The Hindu : Sport / Football : SBT beats Salgaocar to progress

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Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008
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SBT beats Salgaocar to progress

BANGALORE: State Bank of Travancore hung onto its early lead over former Federation Cup champion Salgaocar SC to advance into the 30th Federation Cup football tournament proper at Kolkata, beginning December 4.

In the preliminary Group ‘A’ final at the football stadium here, the Bank side’s captain and roving forward Abdul Hakim struck the match-winner in the 12th minute.

Accepting a short pass from Martin John, Hakim advanced to the top of the box and sent a low left-footer to the near post, catching the Goan team’s custodian Maclas Moraes rooted in the middle.

The Thiruvananthapuram side then survived a barrage of shots on goal and a few anxious moments to scrape through.

SBT also lost the services of its main goalkeeper Harshal Rahman who had to be stretchered off after banging his head onto the upright while attempting to keep away a Denzil Franco header in the 25th minute. Substitute Jean Christian, though not seriously tested, did pull off a few good saves.

Salgaocar did everything but score, with Brazilian striker Ivan Da’Selva missing out on chance after chance.

“The boys are young and lacked big match practice. But now we know our strengths and weaknesses.

“With this qualification, the confidence of the boys is high and we shall put in our best in Kolkata.” said V.P. Shaji, the SBT coach. — Special Correspondent

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