MAPUSA: Even though Odafa Okolie was not in full fitness, the Nigerian went on to score the match-winner in his second homing for Churchill Bros Sports Club as they edged out a spirited Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim 2-1 in GFA’s Goa Professional League, round three football match, at Duler Stadium, here, on Tuesday.
The teams were locked 1-1 at half time.
Churchill Bros top the table with two wins and a draw while Cavelossim suffered their first defeat of the campaign after two hard fought victories in the previous outings.
After securing their first win their previous match, Churchill Bros were further boosted with the inclusion of Nigerian prolific striker Odafa Okolie, who re-joined his old club after a move from Mohun Bagan. Although the Nigerian was not in his best shape, he was rounded with several rival defenders throughout the match and posed a threat each time he got the ball in control.
However, it was Cavelossim who surged ahead in the eight minute through striker James. Two quick fouls for either teams created confusion as referee Tejas Nagvenkar eventually awarded a free-kick in favour of Cavelossim at the centre of the pitch. Churchill Bros’ players moved on top thinking it was their set-piece but instead, Cavelossim’s Ashley Araujo took a quick free-kick. James received the ball and cleverly chipped over Churchill Bros keeper Sukhwinder Singh from 25-yards out, 1-0.
Churchill Bros were fumed over the confusion and head coach Joseph Afusi continued his protest which went in vein. The Nigerian tactician was asked to leave the technical area in the 15th minute for his remonstration.
As the match continued, The Red Machines controlled the proceedings with better ball possession as their rivals adopted a defensive approach.
Churchill Bros found the much needed equalizer just before the break. Cavelossim’s Valinton D’Silva brought down rival winger Elvis Barretto, prompting the referee to award a free-kick at the edge of the box.
The Varca side most of the given opportunity as Pankaj headed in off a Sudheesh Muttath delivery, 1-1.
Changing over, Odafa missed from close but there was no denying him in the 71st minute when he calmly chested the ball off a Elvis free-kick after breaking the off-side trap and slotted past Cavelossim keeper Ram Sroop, 2-1.
