I-League: Ten-Man Churchill Held By Mahindra

The much anticipated inaugural I-league match between the defending champions Churchill Brothers and home team Mahindra united ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite the chances being created all through the match, both teams failed to capitalize.

Churchill Brothers were also reduced to ten men in the second half after goalkeeper Arindam was sent off around the hour mark. Svetozar Mijin gave the home side a lead in the 26th minute but it took only seven minutes for Dan Ito to equalize.

After a inital few minutes of a sloppy game played by both the sides, Mahindra defenders were kept on their toes by the Churchill forwards.

In the seventh minute, Japanese midfielder Dan Ito released Odafe, but a timely challenge by D Ravanan resulted in a corner.

Churchill had the better of the earlier exchanges with Odafe being the key in the attack. In the ninth minute Odafa unleased a shot through several Mahindra bodies, which missed the far post by whisker.

Mahindra’s first attempt came in the 12th minute when Mohammed Rafi cut inside beating Naoba Singh and was twice thrwated by Gouramangi Singh.

Rafi was at it again as Muritala crossed from the left and the former failed to direct the header to find the back of the net.

Midway through the first half the man in form Rafi was found in space by Svetozar with the resultant shot being parried away by Arindam Bhattacharya. A delay in clearing the ball from the resultant corner saw Mahindra United’s Svetozar Mijin score in his first I-league appearance.

Churchill equalized in the 33rd minute, with Naoba Singh’s cross to Dan Ito, who volleyed home making the most of the confusion between Denzil Franco and Steven Dias. Following the equalizer Churchill came into their own as Mahindra’s full backs couldn’t cope up with the increasing pressure. Naoba Singh was allowed too much space as he found Felix whose shot on the turn was saved by Subhasish.

After a listless start to the second session, Mahindra United conceded a free-kick at the edge of the box which Odafa sent into the orbit.

A Steven Dias cross from the right in the 58th minute was palmed for a corner by Arindam Bhattacharya as Rafi was lurking around. Felix got an open chance to score in the 60th minute but he couldnt execute as the ball deflected off Ravanan for a corner, which resulted in another chance missed by the defending champions.

A Muritala pass to Rafi meant an easy opportunity for Mahindra to take the lead. Rafi was brought down as Arindam handled the ball outside the box to stop Rafi’s run. This act resulted in a 64th minute red card to Arindam. Goalkeeper Lalit Thapa was brought in place of Khemthang Paite.

Thoi Singh came in the 72nd minute and immediately made an impact for the hosts. Mahindra looked to score in the 73rd minute with a good passing game, but the jeepmen failed to find the net again.

Felix had the chance to finish off the game late on, but alertness by Subhasish denied Churchill a second goal.

Goal scorers: Svetozar Mijin (26th min), Dan Ito (33rd min)