VASCO: Churchill Brothers Sports Club took another step towards the I-League title as they rallied for a splendid 2-2 draw against defending champions Dempo Sports Club in a 23rd round I-League clash at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Wednesday (April 17).
Sunil Chhetri was the star man for Churchill as he scored both the goals for the I-League leaders after Ryuji Sueoka and Climax Lawrence had twice given Dempo the lead. Dempo led 2-1 at half time.
The draw meant Churchill Brothers still have a five-point advantage at the top of the table over East Bengal with just three matches left to be played.
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Dempo looked purposeful at the start and seemed determined to spoil Churchill’s early party. They were helped by some slack Churchill defending that allowed the defending champions to draw first blood as Debabrata Roy was allowed acres of space on the left and when he crossed into the goalmouth, Ryuji Sueoka was there to head it home for the opening goal in the 12th minute.
Churchill were rattled by the early setback but they soon regained their composure. Sunil Chhetri and Henri Antchouet were rattling the rival defence and soon they had several attempts on goal. Chhetri himself forced a good save from Dempo goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury and then Henri and substitute Belal Arezou had attempts that sailed just wide.
Churchill got the equalizer in the 44th minute after Chhetri had won a free-kick. The India captain stepped up and beat Subhashish with a delightful free-kick.
That joy lasted for only a minute as Dempo went up for the second time, this time again another defensive lapse that allowed Climax Lawrence to toe the ball home.
In the second session, Chhetri scored from his second free-kick from just outside the box to bring his team on level terms in the 53rd minute.
Once they were level, Churchill increased the pace of the match but the winner remained elusive despite Henri twice being presented with opportunities to seal the game at the fag end of the match.
The AIFF
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