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Bhowanipore FC’s Nigerian Daniel Ayeni Bidemi scored early in the first half to hand his side their first-ever victory of the Federation Cup proper as they beat fellow strugglers United Sikkim FC in an inconsequential Group D tie at the MDSC Stadium in Manjeri on Monday afternoon.
Both the teams were out of the tournament before the match and had only pride at stake in this encounter. Courtesy this win Bhowanipore FC finished on three points from three matches while United Sikkim FC ended the competition without a single point.
Much against the run of play, Bhowanipore FC took the lead in only the 4th minute of the match. Bidemi slotted home after being set-up by Anubrata Maity just outside the box. The men in blue and yellow broke on the counter to catch their counterpart’s defense napping. Anubrata teed-up Bidemi down the middle of the pitch with the latter having to beat only the onrushing United Sikkim custodian. The Nigerian did it in style placing the ball neatly with his right foot into the far bottom corner of the net.
United Sikkim could have levelled ten minutes later when Adelaja tried to direct his shot from close with the goalkeeper diving in the wrong direction. But it was centre back Noushad’s alacritous goalline clearance that helped Bhowanipore FC hold on to the slender lead.
Changing over, Bhowanipore FC came very close to doubling their tally when Manjit Singh latched onto the second ball in midfield and ran towards the rival defence only to see his attempt sail over the framework.
Bhowanipore FC played better in the second period looking to increase their lead. J. Prasad’s shot from the left fizzed across the face of goal, and Dipendu Dowary shot at the goalkeeper after turning two defenders inside the area, but it would remain 1-0 for the Kolkata side.
