F C Kochin hold Mohun Bagan

Title aspirants Mohun Bagan's campaign in the IFA Shied football tournament suffered a jolt as they were held to a 1-1 draw by F C Kochin at the Salt Lake stadium, in Calcutta, on Thursday.

In another pre-quarter-final league match, Tata Football Academy scored a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Bhratri Sangha.

Bagan had themselves to blame for the setback as they muffed a penalty and a few other scoring opportunities in a fast-paced Group B encounter.

The hardworking Niaz Rahman put F C Kochin into the lead early in the contest but star Brazilian recruit Jose Ramirez Baretto restored parity in the second session much to the relief of the Bagan supporters.

After the 0-4 drubbing from fancied Palmeiras Club of Brazil in their opening match, a determined TFA bounced back into contention for a quarter-final berth with a stunning 2-1 victory over Bhratri Sangha in a Group D match.

Talented striker Syed Rahim Nabi and fellow striker Krishna Tudu scored for TFA, who put up an inspired show, while medio Palash Karmakar reduced the margin for Bhratri.

Earlier reports:
Tollygunge rout Mohd. Sporting
Palmeiras, Mohun Bagan record easy wins
Easy win for East Bengal