Md Sporting create history, win Durand after 73 years

New Delhi: Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting today created history by winning the prestigious Durand Cup Football tournament after a gap of 73 years, defeating ONGC 2-1 in the final here.A half-fit Australian striker Tolgay Ozebey did the star turn for Mohammedan Sporting as he set up the first goal for Antony Soren (36th min) and then scored another with a brilliant long ranger in the 44th minute.The century old Kolkata outfit was losing its significance in the context of Indian club football and this victory will mean a lot for its thousands of fans spread across the length and breadth of the country.The last time Sporting won Durand Cup was before Independence in 1940 by defeating Warwickshire Regiment, and the last time they played a final in the capital was back in 1992Sporting coach Abdul Aziz had to field Tolgay as his best player Penn Orji was injured and the Aussie striker proved why he is so highly rated in Indian club circuit.Credit should be given to stopper backs Sandeep Sangha and Luciano Sabrosa for defending doggedly. The Brazilian's right hand got dislocated and he will be doubtful for at least a month.ONGC started attacking from the start but their striker Henry Ezeh's selfishness proved to be their undoing. Henry's propensity to hold on to the ball tad too long cost ONGC badly as the Nigerian, on a couple of occasions, didn't release the ball in time for a teammate who was in a better position to score a goal.