Salgaocar, Viva Kerala enter NFL 1st Division

Kozhikode, Apr 6 (UNI) Salgaocar Goa and Viva Kerala were elevated to first division of the National Football League beating Chirag United Kolkata 1-0 and Army XI New Delhi 3-2 respectively in the NFL second division match here today.

With this, the Goan side, which was relegated from the premier league two years ago, made a comeback while the Kerala side was getting into it for the first time.

In the game between Salgaocar and Chirag, R C Prakash who came as a substitute in the 64th minute found the target by converting a pass from Nigerion forward Felix Chimaorowu in the injury time.

Immediately after the goal, Felix and Rattandas of Chirag got marching orders for involving in a despute over a trivial issue.

In the first match, P K Anil Kumar opened the account for Viva in the 18th minute by latching on to a pass from Nigerian Baba Thunde, thus becoming the top scorer with six goals in the event. The same combination scored the second goal through Baba's beautiful header, capitalising on a measured cross from Anil in the 24th minute.

After two minutes, Viva increased the tally to its kitty through Baba, this time from Mohammed Muneer's cross from left flank, making the score 3-0.

Just before the interval, Ngeri Lal opened the account for Army-XI and M G Ramachandran reduced the margin in the 85th minute, making it 3-2.

Salgaocar was leading with 11 points so far, followed by Viva Kerala 9, Chirag 7, Vascogoa 4, Army XI and ONGC Mumbai 2 each.

Army XI will lock horns with Vasco tomorrow.

UNI