Fed Cup: Salgaocar too hot for HAL

Pune, Sept 20 (IBNS) Defending I-League Champions registered their first victory in the 33rd Federation Cup when they routed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 4-0 in an one-sided match at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.

Salgaocar did begin on a positive note as they went all out in the attack right from the kick-off. HAL stayed content in defending and a goal seemed inevitable. And once Ryuji Suekoa converted from the spot in the 26th minute after Chidi Edeh was brought down in the box, the floodgates opened.

The next two goals came in the next six minutes. First Rocus Lamare doubled the lead in the 29th minute and then in the 32nd minute, Chidi Edeh made it 3-0 with a diving header, quite reminiscent of Jurgen Klinsmann's famous diving header in the 1990 World Cup. Chidi dived forward to meet a low Gilbert Oliviera centre in the air and sent it the other way past the rival goalkeeper Pramod.

Changing over, Captain Luciano Sabrosa headed in Salgaocar's fourth goal in the 52nd minute to complete the rout. Salgaocar now move to 4 points from 2 matches while HAL are yet to open their account.

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