AFC Cup: Churchill Brothers face Kitchee in do or die match

Churchill Brothers SC are on the verge of regaining the I-League title, but at the continental level they face Kitchee SC from Hongkong tomorrow in their Group E Round 5 match of the AFC Cup at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. The Red Machines have four points from as many matches and trail Kitchee by two points, who are second behind Semen Padang on 10 points.

At the pre-match press conference Churchill Brothers head coach Willy Moraes said, "We do have alot of injuries i.e. Beto, Tomba Singh, Bikramjit Singh and Felix D'Souza. But this team is raring to go and we are confident of gaining three points from tomorrows match."

"Yes, we did lose our previous game to Kitchee however this is a different ball game since the kick off is at 3pm and our team has got better since the last match," Willy Moraes added.

An in-form India captain Sunil Chhetri said, "We have four points and have a serious chance of qualifying for the next stage if we win the match vs Kitchee SC. We are still struggling with injuries, but the AFC Cup is very important to us, players getting injured is part of the game."

Speaking about the pitch Sunil stated, "The pitch is great and we are extremely happy with the support that we have got here in Pune."

"I'm very happy to be in this team, we have an outstanding unit out here, this team stands united and life has been pretty good at Churchill Brothers," Sunil added.

Meanwhile Kitchee SC after two wins at the start suffered two losses against group leaders Semen Padang of Indonesia, which has given the chance to Churchill Brothers and even Warrior FC of Singapore to move past them into second spot and qualify for the pre-quarterfinals.

Kitchee's Spanish head coach Josep Gombau Balague said, "Tomorrow is a very important match, the difference between Churchill Brothers and Kitchee is only two points. We will try to play are normal passing game."

"Churchill is a team that is doing well and are very strong. Even if we get a point here, if we win the next match we can qualify for the next stage," Josep Gombau added.

Kick-off tomorrow at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune is at 3pm.

VIDEO: Mohun Bagan 0-2 Churchill Brothers - Goals!

Churchill Brothers SC yesterday took a giant step towards regaining the I-League title by winning 2-0 away to Mohun Bagan AC in Kalyani. Here the two goals by Henry Antchouet.

Churchill Brothers beat Mohun Bagan 2-0, take big step towards I-League title

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC scored a vital 2-0 away win against Mohun Bagan AC at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium this afternoon to take a giant step towards regaining the I-League title. The Red Machines are now on 51 points from 24 matches, eight ahead of East Bengal and Pune FC but the duo have played a match less.

Churchill Brothers match winner was their Gabonese striker Henry Antchouet, who scored both the goals in the first session - 19th and 34th minutes to win the match for them.

Meanwhile Mohun Bagan's five match unbeaten run - four wins and a draw, came to a premature end against a better opponent and their fight for survival in the relegation battle continues as they stay in 12th spot with 22 points from 22 games.

Churchill Brothers took a 19th minute lead when Sunil Chhetri lay the ball perfectly for Henry Antchouet and the striker placed the ball to the right of keeper Shilton Pal. And in the 34th minute Henry was at it again this time latching on to a Sandip Nandy goal-kick, which he easily collected, beat Nirmal Chettri and placed past Shilton Pal.

At the other end Mohun Bagan did have their chances, but former Churchill Brothers striker Odafe Onyeka Okolie could not score against his former side as his few good efforts were either wide or saved by a very strong Sandip Nandy in goal.

In the end Churchill Brothers won 2-0 and moved closer to the title.

VIDEO: Mohun Bagan vs Churchill Brothers Preview

Here the lengthy News Time Bangla video preview of the Mohun Bagan vs Churchill Brothers match tomorrow at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

I-League: Churchill Brothers face Mohun Bagan on way to title

Relegation fighting Mohun Bagan AC host I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC tomorrow afternoon at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in a match which is crucial for both sides with their different ambitions, the green-and-maroon want to stay in the league while the Red Machines look to regain the title.

And with three matches remaining for Churchill Brothers, they twice will face Mohun Bagan - tomorrow and then the postponed tie at home on May 7 - before they know their fate; while Mohun Bagan have five matches to play before the end of the season.

"This match is very crucial for us. We have to keep the winning momentum to ensure more points and our survival in the tournament," Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa said ahead of his team's meeting with the Goa giants. Mohun Bagan have won four and drawn one in their last five appearances in a good run of form without which relegation would have been certain.

"A win tomorrow will be a big step towards ensuring our ejection from the relegation zone," Karim said looking at Mohun Bagan's position in the league standings. Mohun Bagan are currently placed 12th with 22 points from 21 matches.

"We will be missing defender Celestine Anyichie because of suspension. We play as a team and will find the right replacement. We hope to put up a good performance as there are no major injury worries," Karim said. "Churchill Brothers have a good lead and enjoy a good chance of winning the title. We have to stick to our objective and play our own game to keep our successful form intact," Karim added.

But Churchill Brothers have arrived in Kolkata without the injured midfielders Bikramjit Singh and Tomba Singh while their goalkeeper Felix D'Souza has a thigh injury and Brazilian playmaker Roberto Mendes Silva (Beto) is also recovering from an injury but he practiced with the team.

"We will take a call on Beto tomorrow before the match. The rest of the team is fine and we will play for full points to better the chances of winning the title," Churchill Brothers technical director Subhas Bhowmick said. Churchill Brothers are top of the I-League with 48 points from 23 matches.

But Bhowmick knows what to expect from Mohun Bagan. "Their strikers Tolgay (Ozbey) and Odafe (Onyeka Okolie) are in good form and that has helped the team do well in the last few rounds. So the pressure will be on us as we have to maintain the top position in the league table and get closer to title."

A lot is at stake for both sides, so a great Sunday afternoon match can be expected.

VIDEO: Churchill Brothers SC 2-2 Dempo SC - Goals!

Here the goals from yesterday's Goan derby between Churchill Brothers SC and Dempo SC at the Tilak Maidan. The entertaining game had ended two-all.

I-League: Churchill Brothers held by Dempo to entertaining draw

Current I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC were held to a two-all draw by reigning champions Dempo SC in an I-League match at the floodlit Tilak Maidan in Vasco. Churchill Brothers moved to 48 points from 23 matches, five ahead of East Bengal with three matches remaining; while Dempo moved to 36 points from 24 matches.

Dempo looked purposeful at the start and seemed determined to spoil Churchill's early championship party. They were helped by some poor defending by the Red Machines that allowed Dempo's to go ahead as Debabrata Roy was allowed acres of space on the left and when he crossed into the goalmouth, Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka was there to head it home for the opener in the 12th minute.

Initially Churchill Brothers looked shocked by the reversal, but soon regained ground and started to put pressure on the Dempo goal with Sunil Chhetri and Henri Antchouet a constant threat. First Chhetri forced a good save from Dempo goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury before Henri and then substitute Belal Arezou had attempts that sailed just wide.

But Churchill Brothers equalized in the 44th minute through a perfectly curled Chhetri free-kick that beat Subhashish, but joy was shortlived as Dempo once more went ahead in the first minute of injury time, when another mistake allowed Climax Lawrence to put the ball into the net.

After the break Sunil Chhetri scored from his second free-kick from just outside the box to bring his team on level terms in the 53rd minute. Now Churchill Brothers were pushing for the winner, but Henri was the biggest culprit as he wasted two good chances.

In the end it ended two-all, surely a point won for Churchill Brothers in their quest to regain the I-League title.

VIDEO: Warriors FC vs Churchill Brothers Reactions

Here the reactions from the Warriors FC coach V. Selvaraj and Churchill Brothers Technical Director Subhas Bhowmick after yesterday's AFC Cup match in Singapore.

AFC Cup: Own goal costs Churchill Brothers a draw in Singapore

I-League table toppers Churchill Brothers SC suffered a one goal loess to Warriors FC in their Round 4 match of the AFC Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium yesterday night. The result preserved the Singapore club's slender hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage and extended the away woes of the Red Machines while also confirming the passage of Indonesian champions Semen Padang to the last 16 of the AFC Cup.

Semen, who beat Hong Kong side Kitchee 3-1 earlier on Wednesday, lead the group with 10 points, four ahead of Kitchee, six in front of Churchill Brothers and seven ahead of Warriors, with two games left. With Kitchee and Churchill Brother meeting in Pune in two weeks from now, the Indonesian side are assured of finishing in the top two.

The early momentum was with the home team, however, as they created two inviting chances in the opening five minutes, although goalkeeper Sandip Nandy was not tested on either occasion. The 38-year-old was however called into action on 23 minutes when he had to smother a shot from the right flank by Warriors midfielder Tatsuro Inui, who had earlier seen his free kick take a big deflection away from goal. Churchill Brothers stepped up their game thereafter, as Steven Dias and Ashley Fernandes had a number of opportunities to test former Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny.

But a failure to make those opportunities count haunted the Indian outfit, and after lightning caused a 30-minute delay to the start of the second half, they fell behind following some intense pressure from the Singapore Cup holders. Ruzaini Zainal led a counter-attack on the right for the Warriors on 53 minutes and sent over a cross which was intended for Mislav Karoglan but steered by Dharmaraj Ravanan into his own net instead.

It could have been 2-0 to the home side five minutes later as Inui dinked a shot from the left, only to see Nandy push his attempt away. Gabonese forward Henri Antchouet had the best chance to send Churchill Brothers level when he failed to connect with Arezou's square ball from the left on 65 minutes. Substitute Jaison Vales and Sunil Chhetri also had their opportunities, but their misses meant the I-League side were unable to salvage a point.

“With the players missing all those chances we had, we had to pay the price," admitted Churchill Brothers technical director Subhas Bhowmick.

"I am not disappointed, nor am I surprised. I had already said yesterday I would not be surprised if something bad happened in this match, but we have some very serious business back home in our league."

Warriors coach V. Selvaraj was meanwhile heartened to see his team clock their first win in the AFC Cup this year, adding that he still believes his team can reach the knockout stage.

"I think this win is very important to us," said the 42-year-old.

"The boys are starting to believe in themselves a lot more again, so I think they deserve this win. A win by an own goal is still a win for us; we created a few other chances, and the final score of 1-0 is what matters."

AFC Cup: Churchill Brothers hope for another Warrior FC victory

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC face Singapore side Warrior FC (formerly Singapore Armed Forces) in their Group E Round 4 match of the AFC Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium tomorrow at 7.45pm Singapore local.

After they beat the same opponent last week 3-0 in Pune, Churchill Brothers maintain a chance to reach the pre-quarterfinals as they case the groups top two sides Semen Padang and Kitchee SC. Another won or even a draw would be useless in the Red Machines ambitions.

Churchill Brothers Technical Director Subhas Bhowmick said, "We have important matches coming up in our domestic league. To be honest we haven't played a full strength squad in any of our AFC Cup matches since our first target is to win the I-League. The boys are proud to represent their country in such a prestigious continental tournament, but we have to maintain a balance so as to not hamper our chances ofwinning the I League."

"I am very satisfied with the with our performance in the AFC Cup so far where we stand third with four points from three matches."

Ahead of the match the non-issuing of visas for Sunil Chhetri and Belal Arezou had been a topic. Speaking about the duo Subhas Bhowmick said, "Sunil Chhetri and Belal Arezou will be arriving tomorrow early morning, I will have to take a decision if they can start the match since there will be a lot of travel fatigue."

Churchill Brothers captain Dharmaraj Ravanan added, "We did beat the Warriors in Pune, however they are a good side and this is their home turf, we are expecting a different and difficult game here, our boys will give their best and hopefully we collect all three points."

Meanwhile Warriors FC coach V. Selvaraj said about the game, "It will be quiet different, I believe the result will be different too, the kick off timing is at 7:45pm compared to a 3pm kickoff in Pune. Some players are coming back from injury and thus I have more options."

"We have to get maximum points from the remaining three matches and hope that other teams drop points to make it past the group stage. I believe we are well prepared now and if we get a positive result, things will turn around."

Warrior FC captain Daniel Bennett added, "It is important that we get a result, the boys are positive, our group of boys are hardworking and I do believe we will turn around the result that we got in Pune."

Singapore finally grants Visa for Sunil Chhetri, Belal Arezou & Churchill Alemao

As reported earlier I-League side Churchill Brothers SC were set to miss club patron Churchill Alemao, India captain Sunil Chhetri and Afghanistan striker Belal Arezou in their upcoming AFC Cup match due to not being issued a Singapore visa, but today in the afternoon all three got their visas.

Churchill Brothers are set to play S-League side Warrior FC on Wednesday, April 10 at the Jalan Besar Stadium and the squad left for Singapore yesterday without their patron and their two strikers.

The club took the help of the All India Football Federation, who approached the Sports Authority of India to intervene and take up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs. SAI promptly took up the matter with the MEA and wrote a letter to Sukhgeet Kaur, deputy secretary, South Project, MEA.

After receiving the request from the SAI, Kaur got in touch with the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi and within few hours, sent back e-visa applications of Chhetri and Alemao to SAI; but Arezou being an Afghan national had to send more relevant documents but also got his visa.

Sunil had written on his Facebook Fanpage, "Just got the news that the visa has been issued,am flying to Singapore tomorrow along with belal n Churchill Alemao(owner)."

But in the end Sunil Chhetri and Belal Arezou left for Singapore tonight itself, while Churchill Alemao will join the squad tomorrow..

No Singapore Visa for Sunil Chhetri, Belal Arezou & Churchill Alemao

Issuing Visas for footballers and officials playing in the continental AFC Cup is a growing problem across Asia as this time I-League side Churchill Brothers SC were hit as club patron Churchill Alemao, India captain Sunil Chhetri and Afghanistan striker Belal Arezou did not receive a visa on application for Singapore last week.

Churchill Brothers are supposed to play S-League side Warrior FC on Wednesday, April 10 at the Jalan Besar Stadium and the squad left for Singapore yesterday without their patron and their two strikers.

A club official told news agency PTI, "On Friday the club got a letter from Singapore Consulate in Mumbai that Chhetri, Arezou and Alemao will not be granted visas to travel to Singapore. The consulate gave no reason for the rejection. The players and Alemao will re-apply again."

As the unnamed club official stated no official reason was given by the Singapore Consulate in Mumbai on why the three were not given visas for the upcoming AFC Cup match in the city state.

If Sunil Chhetri and Belal Arezou are not granted visas for Singapore, then the Churchill Brothers prospects in the match and their qualification for the knockout stages would be hit significantly.

VIDEO: Churchill Brothers SC 2-1 Pune FC - Post-Match Reactions

Here are the post-match reactions of the two coaches on PFCTV after the I-League clash between Churchill Brothers SC and Pune FC at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, which Churchill Brothers won 2-1 and moved closer to regaining the title.

VIDEO: Churchill Brothers SC 2-1 Pune FC - Goals!

Here are the goals from yesterday's top I-League clash between Churchill Brothers SC and Pune FC at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, which Churchill Brothers won 2-1 and moved closer to regaining the title.

Churchill Bros beat Pune FC 2-1, go five points clear in I-League!

Goan side Churchill Brothers SC took a giant step towards regaining the I-League title after scoring a 2-1 victory over Pune FC in a Round 23 clash at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco this evening.

After a barren session where the teams hardly gave the other side an inch, T. Bineesh Balan and Sunil Chhetri struck majestically to give Churchill Brothers a five-point lead at the top of the table with just four matches left to be played. Pune FC, also nursing title ambitions, were left to ponder on their defensive frailties as both goals they conceded stemmed from mistakes at the back. Substitute Boima Karpeh could only pull on back for Pune FC.

Both teams were understandably nervous at the start and played extremely safe. It were the hosts, though, who created the better chances as Henry Arnaud Antchouet Rebienot, in the 10th minute, laid a ball for Afghanistan striker Balal Arezou who could not guide it into the goal. Sunil Chhetri then drilled a low ball through for Henry but the Gabonese striker delayed, allowing a rival defender to dispossess him. Pune FC did not have any clear chances in the first session with James Moga left stranded.

In the second session, Churchill took the lead. Much of the blame should be shouldered by goalkeeper Shahinlal Meloly whose poor goal-kick saw Henry trap the ball and lay it for substitute T. Bineesh Balan who showed remarkable poise to finish from a narrow angle in the 57th minute.

Churchill made it 2-0 only five minutes later when another defensive mistake allowed Sunil Chhetri the space to curl a brilliant left-footer into the top corner of the net. It could have been all over for Pune FC almost immediately but the goalkeeper Shahinlal redeemed himself with two quick saves to deny Chhetri and Balal.

Towards the end, Churchill pressed more men forward but the Churchill Brothers defence stood its ground. It was not until added time that Boima Karpeh pulled one back for Pune FC, providing for a nervy five minute in injury time towards the end.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Churchill Brothers vs Pune FC Preview

Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira speaks to PFCTV ahead of today's top clash between Churchill Brothers SC and Pune FC at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa.

I-League: Churchill Brothers host Pune FC in crucial tie tomorrow

After their win in the AFC Cup on Tuesday, I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC go head-to-head with Pune FC in a crucial I-League clash that will possibly decide their own title ambitions at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Friday evening.

Churchill Brothers lead the I-League table with 44 points from 21 matches and know that a win against Pune FC will put them in the driver's seat with just four more matches to be played and opening a five points lead over closest rivals East Bengal Club.

Meanwhile Pune FC are placed third with 37 points from 20 matches, and although they are seven points behind Churchill Brothers, coach Derrick Pereira knows that a win will cut the deficit down to four points and they will still have a match in hand.

"This match will be the key. Anything can happen in the title race," said Pereira.

Pune FC have been solid in their performances and Pereira believes his team will need another superb performance to tame Churchill Brothers in their own den.

"Churchill have some tough games including Mohun Bagan and Dempo. If we can defeat them on Friday, we can start dreaming," said Pereira, who will miss Indian international midfielder Izumi Arata through suspension.

"I have noticed over the years that you have to work hard and if you do that sincerely, results will follow. At Pune FC, the management have been supportive and pushing us for results," Derrick added.

Churchill Brothers are equally determined to surge ahead in the title race.

"This is a do-or-die match for us. A win will be excellent. I hope we can do just that," said Technical Director Subhas Bhowmick.

Churchill Brothers fielded a depleted side for the AFC Cup clash against Warrior FC of Singapore earlier this week and all of the players, except for Brazilian midfielder Beto, are expected to return to the field.

"The boys are in top gear. I am sure they will deliver," said Bhowmick.

The match kicks off at 6.30pm at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

AFC Cup: Churchill Brothers win 3-0 against Warrior FC from Singapore

A depleted I-League side Churchill Brothers SC due to injuries and suspensions won 3-0 against Warriors FC from Singapore in their Round 3 match of the AFC Cup at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune this afternoon. The Red Machines put up a clinical performance against Warriors FC, who were hampered by the hot Pune weather.

Churchill Brothers head coach Mariano Dias said, "We played very well even though we were missing quiet a few of our first team players. This team believes in itself and the players played for each other."

The Warrior FC coach V. Selvaraj said, "We are disappointed with the result, the Churchill Brothers midfield was brilliant. We were disappointing in the first half, however I was happy with our performance in the second half."

The Goans went ahead in the 37th minute through a brilliant Jaison Vales right-footed strike from 20 yards out that left the Warriors goalkeeper Hassan Bin Abdullah Sunny stranded. And Churchill Brothers then doubled their lead just before the lemon break, when Sunil Chhetri found Bikramjit Singh inside the box, who tapped it past the keeper.

The red Machines then finished the game off in the 83rd minute, when a long ball by Dharmaraj Ravanan was pounced upon by Belal Arezou who unselfishly played it to Sunil Chhetri, who rounded the goalkeeper and scored, earning a huge round of applause by the sizeable number of fans that had turned up to watch the intriguing tie.

"We have a good chance to make it past the group stage, we have lost one, drawn one and won one. Our next match is in Singapore on the 10th of April and it will be a crucial game that we have to win," Mariano Dias said.

"I still believe that we can qualify for the knockout stages, we got three more games to go and I have faith in my team," V. Selvaraj said.

With regards to the congestion due to playing the domestic league and the AFC Cup, we take all matches seriously, however the standard of the AFC Cup is better than the I League," Mariano Dias added.

With their first win of the campaign, Churchill Brothers are on 4 points from 3 matches and back in contention for the place in the pre-quarterfinals. The Red Machines play the return tie in Singapore against Warriors FC on April 10.

Churchill Brothers
Felix D'Souza - Denzil Franco, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Naveen Kumar, Sanjay Balmuchu - Amandeep Singh (75' Israil Gurung), W. Tomba Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Jaison Vales (86' Biswajit Biswas) - Sunil Chhetri (88' Ajay Singh), Belal Arezou

AFC Cup: Churchill Brothers in must win match against Singapore side

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC will face Singapore side Warrior FC (formerly Singapore Armed Forces) in their Group E Round 3 match of the AFC Cup at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune tomorrow. After their opening round loss against Kitchee SC and the draw against Semen Padang, the Red Machines know that a win is necessary to keep their AFC Cup hopes alive.

At the pre-match press conference Churchill Brothers head coach Mariano Dias said, "We have injuries to deal with, Beto is surely out for three matches with a hamstring injury, also we are without Henri Antchouet, Bineesh Balan, Lenny Rodrigues, Steven Dias due to injuries. Lamine Tamba is serving a suspension after he picked up two yellow cards in the previous two matches."

"Every match is important for us, we cannot take any match lightly, the boys would go out their and give their best and I am hoping that we can collect all three points," Mariano added.

Wing-back Denzil Franco added, "The heat was unbearable, not easy to perform, this time its a much more difficult task with a young team because of the injuries, but we believe in each other and will give our best and lets hope for three points."

Warrior FC are in a somewhat similar situation as they lost both their matches in the AFC Cup this season against Semen Padang and Kitchee SC.

The Warrior FC coach V. Selvaraj said, "We have watched Churchill Brothers play against Kitchee, they are a very good team, we have to get our result and get three points. Sunil Chhetri is the one to look out for, he could be the main threat."

Warrior's captain Daniel Bennett added, "The two matches we played could have gone the other way, we let a lead slip in the match agains Kitchee SC, I believe there is not too much of a difference in quality between the teams in the league. We need a result and need to win, we have two teams that will be going all out for a victory."

"We have played in this tournament many times before, have made it past the group stages many times, we believe in this club and with our history we believe we can go through this year's group stage too."

"The boys are positive, we have our backs against the wall and will surely give our best to get a positive result in this match," Bennett ended.

Kick-off tomorrow at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune is at 3pm.

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC held to another draw

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC dropped further points into their title challenge when they were held to a goalless draw by Goan rivals Salgaocar FC at the Duler ground in Mapusa this afternoon. Churchill Brothers now have 44 points from 21 matches, while closest challenger East Bengal Club have 41 points from the same number of matches.

Needing a win to open up a comfortable lead at the top, Churchill Brothers started aggressively but could not translate their domination into goals. The Red Machines were also hampered by injuries to influential Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes Silva and wing-back Yumnam Raju Mangang, both of whom had to be replaced within half an hour.

Salgaocar FC too were keen to continue with their winning run and move further away from the relegation zone. The David Booth coached side played methodically and had their strikers been more sharp, they could have got something out of the game.

Randeep Singh first tested the Churchill goalkeeper Sandip Nandy with a long ranger which experienced Nandy parried away for an abortive corner. Minutes later, Francis Fernandes tried the same tactic but his booming shot sailed past the post.

At the other end, Sunil Chhetri and Henry Arnaud Antchouet Rebienot made some good runs but didn't come up with anything special that could trouble Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit Singh. The only time Karanjit needed to be at his best was when T. Bineesh Balan made a solo run but he could not get past the goalkeeper.

In the second session, Salgaocar saw more of the ball but failed to beat a determined Sandip Nandy under the horizontal bar, who was later adjudged as the Man-of-the-Match.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)