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Vasco in semifinals

Principal Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vasco Goa quelled a spirited challenge from Josco FC to win the crucial quarterfinal league match 2-1 and qualified for the semifinals of the G.V. Raja all-India football tournament at the University stadium here on Friday.

But it was a pyrrhic victory for the Goan side which lost the services of its key striker Koko Sakibo for the semifinal. The Nigerian striker was shown the red card by referee S.J. Fernando in the 89th minute. Koko had fouled Josco’s Stephen Lijo and was shown a yellow card but refused to accept the decision and argued with the referee who finally flashed the red card. The incident spoiled the fine effort of Koko who scored the opening goal for his side in the 69th minute.

Josco, which needed only a draw to qualify for the semifinals, gave many uncomfortable moments to its experienced rival. Sumesh was a revelation on the right flank and he arrowed in numerous crosses but found little support from his strikers. Onebi was tightly marked as a result much of Sumesh efforts did not have the desired effect.

After surviving an initial scare when Nazary’s header was saved on the goalline by Mathew, the Kochi side hung on gamely and didn’t allow its famed rival to call the shots. Both Koko and Ayuba Mangut were kept on a tight leash by the Josco defence. The Kochi side adopted the hit-and-run style and managed to frustrate its rival in the first half.

Josco’s attacks were more convincing in the second half as Sumesh found his bearings. The Goan goal was under severe pressure. But to their credit the Goans survived the onslaught and managed to turn the tables on its rival. A long clearance following another aborted attempt at the Goan goal paved the way for Vasco’s opening goal. Joy Ferro’s long ball found Koko and the striker had no difficulty in beating his markers and flicked the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper.

The goal deflated the Kochi side which made uncharacteristic errors in defence. Another counterattack from the Goans caught the Josco defence napping.

Though goalkeeper D. Sajin managed to deny Ayuba the ball came to Koko whose shot was cleared away by a Josco defender. But the ball came to Sudheesh Mutttath whose volley from the top of the box increased the lead for Vasco in the 86th minute.

Onebi, who finally managed to give his marker the slip, pulled one back for Josco in the 88th minute.

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