MARGAO: Federation Cup winners Churchill Brothers Sports Club were held by Vasco Sports Club in a 1-1 draw in Group D quarter-finals league encounter of 127th Durand Cup football tournament, at Panchayat ground, Raia, Sunday. There was no score at the lemon break.
The teams had a thing in common with regards to passing which was poor. Neither could hold on the ball and lost possession rather cheaply.
Churchill Brothers came from behind to hold Vasco SC 1-1. The Red Machines earlier lost to Pune FC in their first match came with a couple of moves and their best attempt was in the 14th minute when striker Sunday Chizoba Nwadialu, who was unmark at the edge of the box saw his effort parried away by Vasco Sports Club goalkeeper Francis Fernandes.
At the other end, Vasco Sports Club did not lag behind as striker Samson Fernandes’ rasping shot was blocked by Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Sukhwinder Singh.
Crossing over, Churchill Brothers put up improved display and unleashed couple of pot shots but without any success.
In the 54th minute, Churchill Brothers conceded a penalty after goalkeeper Sukwinder Singh needlessly brought down rival striker Emmanu Elchinedu inside the penalty box and referee Maria Joseph pointed out to the dreaded spot.
Emmanu himself took the resultant spot-kick and sent the rival goalkeeper the wrong way.
Stung by the setback, Churchill Brothers took the fight instantly to the rival camp and in the 66th minute Pankaj Sona equalized with a snap shot after Nwadialu laid him on the platter, 1-1.
Thereafter, Churchill Brothers kept on the pressure in search of the match-winner and nearly succeeded in the dying minutes but Sunday’s header was save at goalline by rival defender Naveen Mendes.
Vasco SC play their last match against Pune FC on November 4 and need a win to advance to the semi-finals. While Pune FC only need a draw to advance to the knock-out stage.
Churchill Brothers who finished their league engagement with one point from two matches, crashed out of the tournament.
