KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan remained on course to avoid relegation with an upset 2-1 win over holders Dempo in a round 15 I-League fixture here on Sunday.
Syed Rahim Nabi (7th) gave Bagan an early lead while Odafa Okolie (47th), who returned after recovering from fever, completed the tally to hand the Goan heavyweights a fourth successive defeat.
Peter Carvalho pulled one back for Dempo SC in the 51st minute to add to the excitement in the second session but they could not add to the tally further.
Bagan have 13 points from 18 matches while Dempo remain on 35 points after 22 rounds.
Bagan fired up an early lead thanks to an acrobatic effort from Nabi, who dived low to find the net.
Nabi’s spectacular finishing set the tone of the action and Bagan continued a long session of dominance against one of the most successful teams in India.
Bagan had three more chances to bolster their lead in the first-half but the second goal remained elusive as Dempo goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani denied two efforts from Odafa.
Odafa made no mistake when Nabi set him up clear off the Dempo defence.
The 2-0 lead gave Bagan enough allowance to defend though Dempo rebounded strongly on conceding the second goal.
Carvalho reduced the margin as he headed home a measured cross from Anthony Pereira.
Dempo had a few more chances to find the equaliser but both Menyonger and Koko Sakibo could not find the right touch to find the goal. (PTI)