VASCO: Churchill Brothers registered a stunning victory over league leaders Minerva Punjab FC as they won 2-1 in their Hero I-League encounter at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Friday.
First-half goals from Koffi Mechac (17) and Wayne Vaz (45) put the Red Machines in an advantageous position before Minerva Punjab pulled one back through Kassim Aidara’s goal (57).
The result put a dent into Minerva’s title charge as they stay on 26 points with Neroca FC just two behind and Kingfisher East Bengal 6 points adrift. The Red Machines jumped straight to 7th place with 13 points.
In the 16th minute, the referee awarded a penalty for Churchill Brothers and Koffi Mechac drew the first blood much to the dismay of the travellers.
Minerva had a chance when a curling free-kick from William Opoku was punched away by James Kithan. Minerva suffered a further setback at the stroke of the half-time when local boy Wayne Vaz netted from wide.
Minerva Punjab FC conceded a free-kick close to the half-way line and Osagie Monday released Dawda Ceesay down the right flank. Ceesay slid a pass to Wayne Vaz to cross into the box. His first attempt was blocked but the ball came back to Vaz who curled the ball towards the goal second time.
The effort caught Minerva keeper Kiran Kumar Limbu napping who was well off his line and couldn’t react on time as Churchill led 2-0 going into half-time.
Minerva found a lifeline in the 57th minute when they won a free-kick down the left flank near the touchline. Chencho curled the free-kick into the box. The ball was not cleared away and fell kindly to Minerva skipper Kassim Aidara who slammed home to make it 2-1.
