Goan outfits rule the table

In a crucial Group D encounter on Monday, Salgaocar beat Pune FC and earned the semi-final berth of the 34th Federation Cup. For the defending champions, a draw was enough to seal their semifinal berth, they played with positive intent right from the blow of the ref’s whistle under sunny conditions at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.

Salgaocar captain Luciano Sabrosa drew first blood with an early lead for Salgaocar by heading in a corner from left. Hi-flying Pune came up repeatedly with their attacking onslaughts in their must-win encounter. Within the next five minutes, Pune clinched the equalizing goal to make it 1-1. Douhou Pierre latched on to a cross from the left wing before and foxed Salgaocar defender to bring Pune on level terms.

The goal ignited the Pune team as they showed more urgency on the field. Francis constantly threatened the defenders from the right. In the 27th minute of the match, Nicolao Colaco’s cross in from deep right was received by Anthony D’Souza who slotted it past the goalkeeper.

Nonetheless, it was an evenly contested game as both sides looked for scoring opportunities on a dry surface. Karim Bencherifa’s men defended commendably to hold on to their lead. The Goa outfit topped Group D with 9 points in three matches to join Dempo in the last four stage.

The other Goa base team, Churchill Brothers, stormed into the semi-finals from the group after thumping 10-man Air India 4-0. Churchill’s much acclaimed forward-line combined well as they dominated the match right from its commencement.

In the 22nd minute, Nigerian Henry Autchouet capped a solo effort to open Churchill’s account and made it 1-0. Churchill went on to double their lead at the hour mark with a spectacular free kick from Brazilian Beto, who impressed in his role as a utility player.

Air India suffered a huge blow when captain Mickey Fernandes was sent off with a red card after he fouled Beto in the 66th minute of the match. Continuing to showcase their terrific display of footwork, Churchill scored two more goals, which came off the Lebanese striker Akram in the 84th minute and Bikramjit Singh in the 90th minute.

Churchill Brothers sealed the top spot in the Group B table with 7 points. It looks like there is no stopping these Goan clubs.