VERNA: Churchill Brothers Sports Clube were held to a 1-1 draw by Calangute Association in the Goa Pro League match, at Verna ground, on Wednesday. Calangute Association were leading 1-0 in the first half.
Churchill Bros SC coach, Alfred Fernandes fielded Pankaj Sona and Yendrenban Mettai upfront while Calangute Association coach, Anthony D’Souza put his trust Rohan Kamble and Nigerian Felix Chidi.
Pankaj got right in action in the very second minute as he received the ball from Yendrenban and dribbled past rival defender Fulganco Cardoza but was unlucky as his shot hit the upright and the ball rolled out of play.
Subsequently, Calangute Association’s Felix Chidi squandered an opportunity to score as he ballooned wide after being set up by Auvihishto Fernandes.
The Red Machines continued to attack as Suraj tried his luck in the 14th minute off a Pankaj floater only to lose possession to Fulganco’s timely tackle.
Calangute Association drew first blood in the 16th minute through Auvihishto finished with a neat placement.
After the lemon break, the teams provided end-to-end action but Pankaj and Rohan missed chances.
As the match progressed, Auvihisto made a swift move into the rival territory and dribbled past rival defender Subash Bose but his effort was parried away by the Churchill Bros custodian.
Thereafter, Pankaj lacked sharpness as he blindly shot over in the 68th minute.
The Red Machines finally equalized through Pankaj in the 85th minute as the striker nodded in Yendrenbam pass.
Speaking to Herald, coach of Calangute Association, Anthony expressed happiness and said, “Our boys played as per the game plan and should have score more goals but change in venue by the organizers in last few hours and travelling in congested areas played a key role and affected our plans.” He further said his dream of finishing in the top three also took shape.
Churchill Brothers coach, Alfred Fernandes’ title hopes hit a major blow. “We were aiming for the title but injuries to some players affected our plans.”
