GUWAHATI, Sept 23 - A late 90th minute goal by substitute Bijay Gurung helped 3 Star Club, Nepal snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat against Oil India FC, Duliajan in their Group-A match of the 64th Bharat Ratna Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy Football Tournament at the Nehru Stadium here today.
With the referee whistling for the kick-off, Oil India players enjoyed much of the ball possession and were seen building inroads into the 3 Star territory which finally resulted in the seventh minute goal. Oil India custodian Nihal Das made some tremendous saves to deny the Nepal side the much needed equaliser in the first half.
Having received a pass from the left flank, Mintu Boro�s attempt from inside the box failed to provide the Duliajan outfit the desired result in the fifth minute.
Oil India FC didn�t take much long to surge ahead as Nabin Rabha ensured the perfect finishing in the seventh minute. Having received a free kick from around 22 yards, Rabha�s set piece left the 3 Star Club custodian Alon Neupane gasping.
The Nepal side came close to finding the equaliser in the 20th minute but Oil India custodian Nihal Das did a magnificent job to snatch the ball away from the feet of an incoming Buddha Chemjong.
3 Star were reduced to 10 men after Bijay Dhimal was given the marching orders after conceding the second yellow in the tournament in the 42nd minute.
Switching sides, 3 Star Club maintained a better ball possession and were much more on the offensive which finally resulted in the 90th minute equaliser.
Bijay Gurung made no mistake in utilising a defence lapse to give side the much needed equaliser.
TODAY�S MATCHES: ASEB vs Bongobir Ogragami Club (4 pm)
Sikkim United vs East Bengal President�s Eleven (7 pm)
