Ar-Hima hold Vasco to goalless draw

Vasco Sports Club escaped with a goalless draw against Ar-Hima in their first match of the preliminary phase of the Federation Cup football tournament in Howrah on Saturday.

Meghalaya-based Ar-Hima enjoyed territorial advantage but could not find the target. Vasco goalkeeper Agnelo Noronha had a splendid show under the bar, pulling off three blind saves at the Howrah Stadium.

With Saturday's draw, Ar-Hima finished their engagements on one point to bow out of the tournament. They had lost to Mohammedan Sporting 0-1 in their opening match on Thursday.

Vasco now take Mohammedan Sporting -- on three points -- at Kalyani Stadium on Monday to decide the Group A winners.