Churchill Brothers win the I-League crown

Vasco, 7^th May: Churchill Coach Mariano Dias fielded India captain Sunil Chettri and Gabonese Henri Rebienot upfront while Mohun Bagan tactician Karim Bencherifa fielded Captain Odafa Okolie and Sabeeth Sathyan in the striking role.

 The Mariners refused a bunker approach on defense as it tried to exploit Churchill’s desperation to score an early goal. Counter attacks led by Quinton Jacob’s kept the home team off-balance.

 Bagan could have taken an early lead but Syed Nabi’s close ranger and Odafa’s powerful header was parried away by Churchill goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.

 However, in the 27^th minute, Bagan surged ahead after Quinton won the ball from Churchill’s Roberto Silva (Beto) and sent in a dangerous long ball to Sabeeth inside the box, who shot past goalkeeper Nandy before skilfully dribbling past Ravanan.

 At the half hour mark, Odafa received an injury and was replaced by Manish Bhargav. 

 Churchill began off an attacking note in the second session but found it hard to get into the rival territory.

 At the other end, Nabi squandered a golden opportunity to double his teams lead after he ballooned over from hand-shaking distance off a flag-kick from Denson Devdas.

Churchill were trying hard in search of the equalizer and when Chettri moved swiftly inside the Bagan box in the 54^th minute, it looked like he would score but the Inida Internationals stiff grounder went inches wide with only Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul at his mercy.

 Beto’s powerful half volley, in the 58^th minute, which was blocked by the rival goalkeeper was the Brazilian’s last action as he made for Balal Arezou.  The Afghan International was quick to make his presence felt with quick passes which increased the tempo of the game and kept the Bagan defenders on their toes.

 Churchill’s well orchestrated raids paid dividend in the 72^nd minute after Chettri leaped over the rival defenders and headed in a well-measured floater by Denzil Franco, much to the cheers of the jam-packed supporters.

 In the final quarter, Churchill defenders Ravanan, Denzil, Satish Singh and Tamba Lamine worked tirelessly to restrain the rival attacks.

 Churchill Bros were crowned the I-League champions with the final round to be played.

 I-League, CEO, Sunando Das handed over the glittering trophy to Churchill Captain Ravanan in the presence of India Coach Wim Koeverman

 Churchill Bros, Chairman, Churchill Alemao was delighted to win the title in front of the home supporters. “I feel proud to win the I-League for the second time and winning on home soil makes it more special. The players and coaching staff need credit for their performance throughout the season, even after playing the AFC Cup they kept their eyes on the I-League,” said Alemao.

 “I think it’s the best team ever and I hope they keep on doing well and winning more titles.”