The Hindu : Sport / Football : Dudu Omagbemi puts Sporting Clube in final

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Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006
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Dudu Omagbemi puts Sporting Clube in final

Principal Correspondent

KOLKATA: Sporting Clube de Goa put up a brilliant performance to dash the hopes of defending champion Mahindra United in the 28th Federation Cup. The Goa team won the first semifinal 1-0 at the Salt Lake stadium here on Tuesday. Striker Dudu Omagbemi realised the win for Sporting Clube nodding home the winner in the 72nd minute of the match.

Attacking mood

Sporting Clube went on the attack right from the start, launching snap attacks, employing speed and sound passing, through the flanks. Joseph Pereira and Rajesh Meetei gave good support from the midfield to the frontline.

Having to devote most of its time to defending, Mahindra United's game plan disintegrated. Mahindra coach Derrick Pereira attempted a different composition that saw the introduction of defender Mahesh Gawli for the first time in the tournament and N.P. Pradeep promoted to midfield.

The only notable opportunity for Mahindra came from a set-piece situation when midfielder James Singh rattled the crosspiece taking a flag-kick in the 50th minute. The rest of the action was dominated by Sporting Clube, which even overcame a suicidal situation as defender Felip Gomes miscued a 61st minute clearance.

Goal

Then, in the 72nd minute, Dudu gave the finishing touch to a Nicholas Rodrigues freekick. With last year's final loss against the same opposition still rankling Clifford Chukwama's mind, Sporting's Nigerian coach sealed up the defence bringing in an extra man. Mahindra's frustration was reflected in an incident in the 91st-minute when N.S. Manju mauled Sporting defender Bello Rasaq in desperation and earned a red card.

Mohun Bagan the 11-time champion will take on Dempo SC in the second semfinal on Wednesday.

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