Botafogo Had a Tough time against Chirag Kerala

Brazil’s Botafogo FC scored deep in to the second half injury time to register their first win in the 116th IFA Shield 2012, at the cost of Chirag United Kerala who crashed out of the tournament after their second loss in the group stages. It was Botafogo’s Alvez Alveira who found the soul goal of the match from a pass off Jao Marcos in a match that saw Chirag getting reduced to 10 men as Vineeth CK saw the red card in the second half.

The visitors from Brazil began the match well as they produced some attempts on goal, but Chirag United’s captain on goal Sharath K managed to keep the score sheet unscathed. Alvez created the first chance fro Botafogo as he produced a shot on goal, but hit straight at the keeper.

Chirag were also on chances in the first half. David Sunday had couple of his shots saved by the Botafogo keeper Milton. Sukhwinder Singh also had a shot on target as his freekick was saved by the keeper late in the first half. The score remained 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Chirag Kerala produce some impressive moves early on as they missed some great chances to take the lead. First, David Sunday’s header from Sajesh cross was saved by the keeper. Then, Manoj’s shot from inside the six yard box failed to find the target. Chirag were running out of luck here. That was proven when their playmaker Vineeth CK was shown his second yellow and sent off by the referee in the 61st minute.

Botafogo went on in search of that elusive goal, but they had to wait till the third minute of injury time to grab it. It was Alvez who received the ball from Jao Marcos and bulleted the shot into the Chirag goal that turned out to be a winner in the final minute of the match.