Rahim Nabi, Odafa Okolie power Mohun Bagan to 2-1 win over Dempo

HenryHenri

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posted on 11 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Mohun Bagan have 13 points from 18 matches while Dempo remain on 35 points after 22 rounds.

Kalyani: Mohun Bagan remained on course to avoid relegation with an upset 2-1 win over holders Dempo in a round 15 I-League fixture here on Sunday. Syed Rahim Nabi (7th) gave Bagan an early lead while Odafa Okolie (47th), who returned after recovering from fever, completed the tally to hand the Goan heavyweights a fourth successive defeat.

Peter Carvalho pulled one back for Dempo SC in the 51st minute to add to the excitement in the second session but they could not add to the tally. Now Bagan have 13 points from 18 matches while Dempo remained on 35 points after 22 rounds.

Bagan fired up an early lead thanks to an acrobatic effort from Nabi, who dived low to find the net. Nabi's spectacular finishing set the tone of the action and Bagan continued a long session of dominance against the most successful team in the NFL/I-League history. Bagan had three more chances to bolster their lead in the first-half but the second goal remained elusive as Dempo goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani denied two efforts from Odafa.

Dempo had one opportunity through Carvalho in the 26th minute but his long-range attempt went over. Odafa, who was unlucky thrice in the first-half, made no mistake when Nabi set him up clear off the Dempo defence. The 2-0 lead gave Bagan enough allowance to defend though Dempo rebounded strongly on conceding the second goal.

Dempo striker John Menyongar found Bagan upright on his 49th minute attempt before Carvalho reduced the margin as he headed home a measured cross from Anthony Pereira. Dempo had a few more chances to find the equaliser but both Menyonger and Koko Sakibo could not find the right touch to beat Shilton Paul in the Mariners' goal.

The three most notable triumvirate in the Bagan attack Nabi, Tolgay Ozbey and Odafa came together to threaten the Dempo goal in the 53rd minute but a third goal eluded them. Pereira was unlucky in not finding the target from close when he shot over after Menyonger's 57th minute attempt came to him rebounding off Shilton, who had saved the first attempt.