HAL surprise ITI

Nigerian striker Mulisa Jimmy scored an opportunistic goal as debutants Hindustan Aeronautics upset citymates Indian Telephone Industries 1-0 in a Tata National Football League match n Bangalore on Wednesday.

Jimmy struck from close range in the 26th minute after ITI 'keeper N Balaji fumbled and failed to collect the ball cleanly.

It was a costly lapse by Balaji, who ws subsequently replaced by Mark Mascarenhas.

On the other hand HASC 'keeper Gumpe Rime did a fine job, helping his team hold on to their solitary goal lead.

ITI, placed second on the league table with 19 points, tried hard for an equaliser in this final round of the first phase of the league, but luck eluded them.

Just before the break, George Ekeh's shot hit the post and bounced away.

ITI's Nigerian import Mike Okoro earned two yellow cards and was sent out in the absorbing encounter - involving the two local outfits - which also had its quota of ugly incidents.

HAL's Sunil Kumar got into an argument with Ekeh after the latter felled him in the dying minutes. Kumar was supported by his team members, and rival players were seen pushing each other.

HASC have 18 points from 11 fixtures, while ITI have 19.

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