Fatorda, May 16 (IANS): A brace from Nigerian striker Odafa Okolie helped Sporting Clube de Goa beat table toppers Mohun Bagan 2-1 to haul themselves out of the relegation zone and make the title clash a close affair at the Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Odafa opened the scoring in the 70th minute but Katsumi Yusa drew level for the visitors three minutes later. The Nigerian struck again in the 87th minute, sealing it in favour of Sporting.
The win helped Sporting climb to the ninth spot with 17 points, while the league leaders took a serious blow to their chances of winning the title as they are only ahead in terms of goal difference against second-placed side Bengaluru FC.
It was Odafa who finally broke the deadlock as he outjumped the rival defenders to nod home a Brandon Fernandes cross. Three minutes later, it was Yusa who had the easiest of tap-ins in the opposite end as he latched onto a floater from Haitian medio Sony Norde.
However, just before the end of 90 minutes, a clearance from Bagan defender Pritam Kotal fell in the way of Odafa who powered it home past a hapless Debjit Majumder in between the sticks.
Mohun Bagan took to the field knowing they had to put the string of disappointing results behind them and stitch a couple of wins that can take them closer to the title. The visitors controlled the proceedings amicably and gave the rival defence a few nervous moments at the start of the match.
Sony Norde, as usual, was a thorn in the rival defender's flesh and he created a couple of chances for his teammates. The best came early in the game when he saw Pierre Boya unmarked and the Cameroonian midfielder picked out Balwant Singh. The India striker was quick with his shot which landed straight into the hands of Sporting Clube goalkeeper Ravi Kumar.
Sporting Clube took time to settle down but it was Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna who was the most creative. The Syrian midfielder was picking the gaps and in one such move found himself with space to take a shot on goal himself. He did, taking Bagan goalkeeper Debjit by surprise, but the custodian blocked the attempt with his outstretched leg.
Another chance fell at the feet of Victorino Fernandes when Mahmoud had sent a brilliant through ball but Victorino delayed and allowed his marker, Bello Rasaq, to dispossess him.
Sporting Clube by then were looking dangerous upfront but lacked sharpness infront of goal. Nowhere was it better dramatized than the closing stages of the first session when Mahmoud spotted Brandon unmarked but the midfielder's attempt from close range just sailed wide.
Bagan did not put enough pressure on the Sporting Clube defence with Balwant Singh and, sometimes Pierre Boya, restricting their attempts to long rangers.