MARGAO, DEC 23
An injury time goal by Odafe Okolie helped Churchill Brothers to snatch a point against Viva Kerala in the I-League Round V match played at Nehru stadium, here, today.
Viva who almost had their first win under their belt led 1-0 till injury time, but lost their cool and conceded to deny themselves from a famous win against the former I-league champions.
Viva Kerala who played with determination had full control over the match and took the lead in the 15th minute through former Churchill Brothers striker Felix Chimaokwu.
Umeer Farooque from the left lobbed the ball into the box for Felix Chimaokwu which defender Robert Lalthlamuana failed to intercept and Felix collected the ball, and sent an angular drive beating keeper Lalit Thapa to find the net.
Odafe Okolie was heavily guarded by the rival central defenders Charles Dzisah and Bello Rasaq, but the wily striker did manage to snick into the box once in the first half but his try kissed the cross bar and went out after brushing leaping keeper Sharath K fingers.
Viva Kerala had another opportunity in the second half to increase the lead when defender Rowilson Rodrigues blunder allowed Felix with the ball, but his gentle chip from inside the box was put out by alert keeper Lalit Thapa.
Churchill made two changes and put the pressure on the rival defense in the last quarter of the match and was awarded a penalty in the stoppage time when defender Charles Dzisah pulled Odafe Okolie from behind and earned his second booking by referee Deepak Singh.
Odafe himself took the penalty and converted to the sigh of his team.
