PANJIM: With a better goal-difference, Churchill Brothers were crowned champions of the AIFF U-15 Youth League in Goa after their 2-2 draw against Dempo SC, at Dempo academy ground, on Friday.
With this draw, both the teams have now qualified for the All-India level final phase in Kolkata.
Both the team played to win to keep top position as Churchill Brothers SC scored first goal in the 18th minute through Mevan Dias.
Dempo SC had their chance too but the strikers failed to convert.
The second half was action packed as in the 51th minute Dempo SC were awarded a penalty as Churchill Brothers defender brought down Velanco Rodrigues and referee didn’t hesitate to give a spot kick.
Captain Necio Fernandes made no mistake in sending the goalkeeper in the wrong direction.
Five minute later, a good long ball from Rajan Kumar to Sherwin Abranches on right flank and a perfect cross from Sherwin Abranches to Shreyash Naik led to a brilliant goal.
Minute later, Churchill Brothers SC scored the equaliser through captain Mevan Dias.
In the last 10 minutes, Churchill Brothers SC created a lot of pressure to score the winner but Dempo SC managed to defend well and the match ended in a 2-2 draw
Churchill Bros head coach Derryl D’Souza was delighted with the result. “The boys showed character, fought for every ball in the game and stuck to the plan. I am extremely happy with the performance of my boys without the four regular players being in the India National team camp in Odisha.”
His compatriot Remus Gomes said, “I am happy with the boys. They worked hard and gave their best. We were unlucky to finish runners-up on goal difference. We missed a lot of chances today as well as in our previous games that affected our goal difference. We will give our best in the play-off round and try and make it to the final round.”
Meanwhile, at Nagoa ground, Salgaocar FC registered a solitary goal win over FC Goa.
Jordon Borges who scored the match-winner in the 76th minute with a power-packed shot off Joswel’s assist.
