Churchill stun Sporting Goa 2-0, Okonji shines

Duler, Goa, Jan 7 (UNI) Riding on a brace by striker Odafa Okonji, Churchill Brothers shocked Federation Cup runners-up Sporting Club de Goa 2-0 to begin their campaign in style in the 11th National Football League here today.

Nigerian import Okonji fired home in the 30th and 61st minutes to stun the Sporting supporters.

Churchill, promoted to the premier division this season after topping the second division, could have romped home with a much bigger margin had they utilised the gilt edged chances that came their way, especially in the first session.

They got off to an aggressive start with Okonji and the other Nigerian striker George Ekeh constantly threatening Sporting goal.

As early as the third minute, Okonji's free kick rebounded off rival goalkeeper Felix D'souza towards Robert Lalthamba whose shot, however, landed straight into the hands of D'souza.

Then in the 16th minute, Ekeh, after collecting a pass from Okonji, unleashed a powerful shot which was also well collected by the Sporting goalkeeper.

Sporting had a chance to take the lead in the 28th minute but star striker Dudu Omagbhemi's header connecting a cross from Rajesh Meetei was denied by Churchill goalkeeper Vinay Singh.

Churchill shot into the lead in the 30th minute when Eke supplied a measured pass for Okonji to fire a power-packed volley from close range into the net (1-0).

Inspired by the lead, Churchill continued to attack and could have increased their lead in the 35th minute but only to see Ekeh missing a sitter and shot wide in haste instead of tapping the ball into the open net.

Even after the change of end, Churchill continued their dominance and consolidated their lead in the 61st minute through Okonji, who after receiving a pass from Ekeh, dodged past rival defender Mathew Gonsalves and shot into the net to make it 2-0.

After two goals down, Sporting accelarated the pace of the game and made some desperate attempts to reduce the margin.

They came near scoring on a couple of occasions.

In the 65th minute, Nicolau Borges failed to connect a pass from Rajesh Mettei and then in the next minute, Churchill goalkeeper brought off a fine save off a shot by Joseph Pereira.

Sporting had another chance in the 77th minute but Dudu's shot was brilliantly saved by Vinay Singh, who put up a sterling performance under the bar.

UNI