Margao: United SC came from behind to down Air India 2-1 in the group B quarter-final league match of the 127th Durand Cup, played at Raia Panchayat ground on Friday.
Thus, United SC who finished their league engagement finished on three points from two matches are behind Sporting Clube de Goa who also have three points but have better goal difference against United SC.
Air India, who are still to open their account, play their last match on November 2 against Sporting Clube de Goa which will decide which team qualifies for the knock out stage. With one team qualified from each group, a draw is enough for Sporting Clube de Goa against Air India to make the semi-finals.
Air India started on a promising note and took an early lead in the third minute through Siddharth Nayak. United SC regrouped and restored parity in the 14th minute from a penalty. Air India keeper Vian Joseph brought down Surojit Bose inside the box and referee B Nagoorkani awarded a penalty for United. Babun Dasmade no mistake in finding the net to have his team restore parity.
A long lob from the right saw Sujay Oram hit the ball towards the goal. Air India defender Santosh Koli made the last effort to clear the ball on the goal line but ended in shooting into his own net.
