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Ozebey helps Md Sporting lift Durand Cup

Kolkata power house Mohammedan Sporting created history by winning the prestigious Durand Cup football tournament after a gap of 73 years, defeating ONGC 2-1 in the final at the Ambedkar stadium on Thursday. Former East Bengal forward Tolgay Ozebey was brilliant on the night for Mohammedan Sporting as he set up the first goal for Antony Soren (36th min) and then scored another with a brilliant long ranger in the 44th minute.

The Kolkata outfit was losing its significance in the context of Indian club football and this victory gives enough impetus for them to get back in terms with glory. Sporting coach decided to get in with a half-fit Ozebey and he proved why he is their best in the forward line. The centre back duo of Sandeep Sangha and Luciano Sabrosa defended brilliantly for the Kolkatan outfit. Sabrosa faced an injury towards the dying moment of the game, dislocating his shoulder while trying to defend a shot on goal from a corner. 

Both the teams started in a convincing fashion with attack as ONGC defenders stood out from the start parrying away Sporting’s approach. After failing to convert four penalty corners at a stretch ONGC let Sporting create chance when Israil Gurung fired from the left flank to put in a perfect cross, only for Ajay Singh to shoot it wide.

Mohammedan Sporting broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Tolgay suddenly switched flanks operating from Gurung’s place instead of the right wing.  The Aussie striker raced down the left wing and kept a pull-back for the onrushing Soren who managed to get a touch in the melee before it deflected off a ONGC defender’s heel to find the net.  Tolgay was brilliant again minutes later, this time though he scored a screamer.

In the 44th minute, receiving a ball just outside the 18-yard box, Tolgay  blasted an in swinging ball beating ONGC goalkeeper Bilifang Narzary who stretched full. 
ONGC scored a goal in the 56th minute against the run of play when they were awarded a direct free-kick outside the box.  Asim Hassan’s low drive saw  Somnath Khanra fumble allowing Lavino Fernandes head home from the rebound.

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