National Football League champions Mahindra United had the perfect start to their AFC Cup campaign, scoring a 2-0 away triumph against Singapore Armed Forces FC on Tuesday night.
Ghanain import Yusif Yakubu converted a penalty in the 35th minute and compatriot Andrews Pomeyie Mensah made sure of the points with a goal with seven minutes remaining.
The Mumbai outfit have custodian Sandip Nandy to thank for the victory. He came up with three outstanding saves, which enabled them emerge victorious in the Group E encounter at Singapore's Choa Chu Kang stadium.
An hour-long downpour that ended just before the match kicked-off ensured slippery playing conditions but the visitors did not let it affect them.
Yakubu scored from the spot when Mensah was brought down by Faizal Hamid inside the penalty box and Qatari referee Abdullah Dor Mohammad Balideh awarded a penalty.
Nandy was in his element in the 28th minute when he saved a powerful shot from Australian Alexander Duric. Seven minutes later, he again came to Mahindra's rescue, denying Thai midfielder Therdsak Chaiman.
The hosts could have drawn level when they got a free-kick in a dangerous position with 10 minutes to go, but Nandy kept Therdsak Chaiman's effort out.
At the other end, Andrews Mensah received a brilliant pass from Susanth Mathew from the right flank to find the net.
Mahindra next take on Maldives' New Radiant in Goa on March 20. New Radiant went down 0-2 at home to Hong Kong's Happy Valley in the other Group E game. The top two teams from the group will make it to the AFC Cup quarter-finals.
