Churchill 1 Sesa FA 1
Viva Kerala 2 Chirag 2
VASCO, SEPT 23
Odafa-led Churchill Brothers were forced to share points with Sesa Football Academy following a 1-1 draw in Federation Cup Group B league match at Tilak Maidan, here on THursday. Both goals came in the first session.
Odafa Onyeka Okolie drew first blood for the Churchill in the 2nd minute but it was cancelled out by Lezly Fernandes in the 16th minute.
The draw put Sesa out of contention for a place in the semi-finals, while Churchill will battle out with Chirag United in the decider on September 25. A draw would be enough for Churchill to make it to the semi-final, while Chirag need to win to end Churchill’s aspirations.
Team work was the strength of Sesa. They made luight of Churchill’s bigwigs and never allowed the rivals to dominate.
It was a blunder from goalkeeper Shayan Roy that allowed Churchill to forge ahead. The goalkeeper stopped a power-packed shot from Koko Sakibo, but in the process the ball deflected off his hands and Odafa, who was in the box, rushed to score.
Seas bounced backed as Churchill goalkeeper Lalit Thapa’s failed to control Shishuram’s shot and striker Lezly Fernandes headed in.
Churchill’s midfield did not provide adequate to Odafa. That apart Sesa’s defense line managed by Gagandeep Singh, Agustin Fernandes and Nicolau Colaco further frustrated Odafa.
Sesa had their moments of glory and striking duo of Lezly Fernandes and Gabriel Fernandes made their presence felt on a couple of occasions, but they lacked accuracy.
Referee M Arokiaraj flashed the yellow card to Ravanan Dharmaraj and Odafa of Churchill and Gabriel Fernandes and Jayganesh Goltekar of Sesa.
A beautiful brace from striker Joshimar Martins helped Chirag United to hold Viva Kerala to a 2-2 draw in their second match of Group B.
Chirag came from behind to draw the match and salvage their semi-final hope as they have to win against Churchill on Saturday.
For Viva Kerala striker Sabeeth C S struck a brace as the teams where locked in a 1-1 draw at the breather.
It was the Kerala outfit, who went ahead in the 35th minute through Sabeeth’s strike, but their lead was just confined to the next ten minutes as Josimar brought his side back on level terms at the stroke of half time converting from the spot.
Sabeeth once again handed the lead to his side in the 53rd minute, but Josimar spoiled Viva’s party netting the equaliser in the 88th minute.
After a sluggish start against Churchill, Viva Kerala today looked sharp, with their attack looking dangerous at times. They had the first chance to take the lead but Sabeeth’s header off Karma’s cross from the left went over the bar.
