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Striker ND Opara converted an 81st minute penalty - his second in as many games - to extend Air India's unbeaten record to five games in a 1-1 result against fellow relegation battlers Viva Kerala in Round 20 of the 2009-10 i-League at the Cooperage.

Both teams were on their toes and needed a result going into the fixture judging by all the happenings in the bottom half of the standings where up to nine teams are mathematically in with a chance of facing the dreaded drop.

Early Goal!

Barely had the spectators settled into their seats that the game had its opening goal. Viva forward Reuben Senyo was brought down inside the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the dreaded spot.

Skipper Sakeer stepped up to take the resulting penalty and gingerly guided the ball into the top corner of the net. Goal! 1-0 to Viva.

Viva Pressure

The early goal came as a major setback to Air India who seemed completely out of sorts in the opening exchanges. With Karma T and Sirajudeen confidently taking on the Air India full backs on either flank while forwards Senyo and Shibinlal coordinatined well with Sakeer charging in fro, in central midfield, it took a while before Air India could regroup.

A full twenty four minutes after kick-off, Air India were finally making an impression on the game. Nigerian striker Opara, playing a deeper role than usual, created two promising chances in the 24th and 28th minute only for the Viva defenders to retract in time with crucial challenges to block the threat.

Close!

A delightfully intricate move in the 42nd minute almost landed the Keralites with their second of the game. After a string of passes at the edge of the penalty area, winger Siraj outfoxed Uttam Singh with a deft flick and with the entire goal at his mercy, blasted wide from close range.

Nevertheless, the visitors maintained their slender advantage going into the halftime break. On to the second period and the visitors immediately withdrew into their own half, prompting Air India coach Yusuf Ansari to switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation by bringing on a third striker in Reuben Dsouza .

Impressive Performance

Marshalling Viva’s defensive setup was withdrawn midfielder Sisupalan, who looked extremely composed under pressure, made crucial challenges and put in an all-round impressive display.

Air India finally broke through nine minutes from time after Kailash Patil was brought down inside the area under downright reckless circumstances in what was probably the most clear-cut penalty decision witnessed at the Cooperage this season. Opara made it look all to easy from the resultant spot kick, sending the keeper the wrong way as the ball sailed into the top corner. Goal! 1-1.

Full Time

Both teams seemed content with their spoils as the referee signaled for an end to the game.

Viva Kerala’s unbeaten run is now up to eight games with 33 points from 22 games – a record that will be put to the test when they take on Ssdsadf next week. For Air India, another point gained in what is now an equally impressive five game unbeaten streak that takes them to 33 points form 22 matches.