A few minutes later, Sahani had only ONGC goalkeeper Billy Fung Nazary to beat but his shot again lacked both power and direction.

Sahni, however, made amends after the change of sides from Jaspal Singh's free kick and his header went inside after a bounce.

In the dying minutes of the game, Sahni could have doubled the lead but instead of taking a shot he passed it to Balwant Singh as the chance went down begging.

ONGC nearly got the equaliser but Phool Chand Hembram's feeble shot went wide despite an open net.