ONGC continue stunning run at Ambedkar, beat Salgaocar

Striker Fanai Lalmuanpuia scored the winner on the 48th minute, flicking in an accurate free kick by man-of-the-match Yusa Katsumi from the left.

Today's win was the third on the trot for ONGC after victories over Kolkata giants East Bengal and Pailan Arrows. It also stretched the oilmen's unbeaten run in the tournament to seven.

Out of the nine home matches at Ambedkar Stadium, ONGC have won five times, drawn four times and lost only once -- against Air India. They have beaten Dempo 3-1, Shillong Lajong 3-0, Pailan Arrows 3-1 before defeating East Bengal and Salgaocar.

The oilmen, whose participation at next season's I-League remained doubtful due to non-fulfilment of AFC club licensing criteria, are now at the top half of the 14-team I-League standings with 19 points from 15 outings.

After their long stint in Delhi, ONGC now leave for Mumbai and will play their game against Dempo on January 27.

With the loss today, Salgaocar remained stuck on 11 points from 14 matches and they are in the relegation zone now.

Salgaocar's India custodian Karanjit Singh was to blame for ONGC's match-winning goal as he did not advance and fist the ball, allowing Lalmuanpia time and space to head in.

Yusa won his second successive man-of-the-match award but the real heroes for ONGC were their defenders. They have now not conceded a goal for 340 minutes. MORE