Odafe wins it for Churchill; Pune drop point to Chirag United
HERALD SPORTS DESK
PANJIM, DEC 18
Odafe Onyeka Okolie hit the target four times as Churchill Brothers put a halt to Mumbai FC’s winning spree to record an emphatic 5-1 win over the hosts in a round IV clash of I-League at Sahu Maharaj ground , Kolhapur on Saturday.
The Nigerian is already leading the goal scoring chart with 8 goals from four matches. After guiding his team to a superb victory against Mohun Bagan, Odafe, who has become synonyms to goals, once again led from the front and never gave their opponents a chance to come back in the match, even after they drew the first blood of the match.
Mumbai FC took an early lead in the 12th minute through Noel Wilson, but the hosts hardly had an idea as what was in store for them. Odafe first levelled terms in the 18th minute converting a spot-kick, while he put his team ahead for the first time in the match in the 28th minute.
The day surely belonged to the Nigerian as he was unstoppable and scored two goals apiece.
Bineesh Balan put Vincent Subramaniam-coached side in the driver seat scoring the third in the 40th minute as Churchill Brothers were in a commanding position leading 3-1 at lemon break.
After resumption Mumbai FC once again played a watching game and nothing seemed to be working out in favour of the home side as Odafe completed his first hat-trick of the season in the 66th minute. The three times I-League highest scorer lashed on to the last opportunity thrown in front of him and ended the match on a high note scoring in the injury time.
Pune FC and Chirag United played a 1-1 draw in another match. Elijah Junior scored in the 45th and Arata Izumi equalized in the 58th.
