MARGAO: A brace by Nigerian striker Odafe Okolie inspired Churchill Brothers Sports Club get the better of Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club 3-1, in GFA’s Goa Pro League (Super League) match, at Cuncolim ground, on Thursday. Churchill Brothers led 1-0 at the breather.
Nicholas Fernandes put Churchill Brothers in front while Nigerian defender Chika Walli neutralized the lead but Odafe scored the second for The Red Machines and then secured his brace.
Churchill Brothers surged ahead in the very first minute as Maino Dodanavar floated the ball inside the rival penalty area and lurking Nicholas Fernandes headed home.
As the match progressed, Tuff Laxmi Prasad enjoyed the better ball possessions. Midfielder Mackroy Pexeito started to look dangerous as he was and they nearly found the equalizer but Nerry Alfonso’s snap shot missed the target narrowly.
Tuff Laxmi wasted golden chance to level the score midway after Manuel Fernandes’ rasping shot was fisted away by Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Sukiwinder Singh and off the rebound Nigerian striker ND Opera ballooned over from close range.
Churchill Brothers were at the receiving end, had a chance to increase the tally but Manjit Singh’s header was well parried away by rival goalkeeper Jaison D’Mello.
Crossing over, Churchill Brothers raised visions of breaking down the rival defence and dominated the proceedings in the second half.
Churchill Brothers almost doubled the lead soon after resumption when danger man Odafe’s rasping shot missed the target narrowly after he was put on the platter by Emmanuel.
Churchill Brothers had a narrow escape when Mohammed Ali’s header elided the rival goalkeeper but central defender Emmanuel affected a goalline save.
Tuff Laxmi’s equalizer came in the 59th minute when Valerie Rodrigues’ cross saw central defender Nigerian Chika Walli header gave no chance to the rival goalkeeper.
Suddenly it became a very open game with both the sides creating chances.
Churchill Brothers had to rely on some desperate last ditch defending to preserve their best in the remaining period of the game. Joseph Afusi’s side needed another goal and it arrived at a time when Tuff Laxmi were threatening.
In the 70th minute, Odafe was fouled by rival defender Macroy and referee Sunil Nannodkar awarded the free-kick and Odafe Okolie himself took the resultant free-kick to beat rival goalkeeper hands down.
Nicholas Fernandes produced a good run following a counter-attack and his cut back was slotted home by Odafe with a brilliant strike in the injury time.
