Churchill qualify for semi-finals in style

Action from the match between Churchill Brothers and Air India.

SILIGURI: Giving yet another essay of its consistent form, Churchill Brothers blanked 10-man Air India 4-0 in the final round of group-B league in the 34th Federation Cup at Kanchanjungha Stadium on Monday. Churchill Brothers picked up the required points form the win and sealed the top position in the group standings (with seven points) and lone semifinal berth on offer.

Churchill Brothers saw its famed forward-line combining well as the Goa side mounted sustained attacks and found the goals at regular interval. Nigerian Henry Autchouet, Brazilian Roberto Mendes Silva and the Lebanese substitute Akram Moghrabi scored one each while midfielder Bikramjit Singh completed the tally. Churchill’s efforts were further eased by the ejection of the Air India captain Mickey Fernandes, who was sent off with a red card for stamping Roberto in the 66th minute.

Requiring a win to ensure the semifinal berth, Churchill Brothers drew first blood in the 22nd minute when Henry capped a solo effort to secure the break. Churchill doubled the goal hunt after the earning the lead but had to wait till the 64th minute to see it happening. Roberto, who impressed in his role as Churchill’s play-maker, scored from a spectacular free-kick to double the lead.

Continuing with its disciplined showing the Churchill Brothers took the plan of its technical director Subhas Bhowmick ahead scoring two more goals, which came off the Lebanese striker Akram (84th minute) and Bikramjit Singh (90th minute). Churchill Brothers tallied seven points while Air India finished with three points.