MARGAO: Churchill Bros-GFDC emerged champions in AIFF’s Goa U-15 Youth Championship when they held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in the final league match, at Utorda ground, Wednesday.
Churchill Bros finished at the top with a tally of 17 points from eight matches (five wins, one loss and two draws). FC Goa had a tally of 16 points, the same like Dempo SC. FC Goa’s coach Gavin Araujo stated that since their head-to-head count against Dempo was superior, having beaten Dempo 3-1 while Dempo beat FC Goa 2-1, they finished second. Dempo had a superior goal difference of plus 10 while FC Goa had a difference of 8. Both Churchill Bros-GFDC and FC Goa have qualified for the inter-zonal to be played at Utorda and Nagoa grounds next.
Churchill were streets ahead in the first half with well planned moves, with quick passes, even before they surged ahead in the 17th minute with Mevan Dias scoring from close range.
FC Goa were a transformed lot after the break and it took them just eight minutes after the break to restore parity that too in fortuitous circumstances.
Chadel Fernandes worked his way down the right flank and sent what seemed an powerless cross goal wards. Goalkeeper Mohin, who had covered the angle very well, however, fumbled with the collection, as the ball spun into his own net much to the dismay of Churchill teammates.
FC Goa kept on dominating while Churchill-GFDC came up in sporadic raids which looked threatening, but they failed at the crucial time and at least once the referee denied them what ought to have been a legitimate penalty when striker was brought down in the penalty area. Overall, his supervision left much to be desired and one was at a loss to understand as to why the same officials are being appointed for the matches, since it is played on double-leg basis.
Head Coach Marcelino Pereira congratulated the players and the entire coaching staff for the splendid victory. “They worked very hard and merited the title.”
Churchill Alemao, Valanka Alemao, Dr Rufino Monteiro, Aleixo Da Costa complimented the players and the coaching staff for the excellent performance and achievement.
