Durand Cup: Churchill Brothers hold Vasco SC

Margao: Churchill Brothers came from behind to hold Vasco SC to a 1-1 draw in a group D quarterfinal match of the 127th Durand Cup, played at Raia Panchayat ground this morning.

The first half was drab and neither team went for the kill, confining play to midfield.

Churchill Brothers, who lost to Pune FC in their first match, came up with a couple of good moves and had the best chance to surge ahead in the 14th minute but Sunday Chizoba Nwadialu saw his effort palmed away to safety by rival keeper Francis Fernandes.

Couple of minutes later, Vasco came up with a counter move and nearly scored but Semson Fernandes' shot was saved by rival keeper Sukhwinder Singh off a pass from Aniston Fernandes.

Churchill Brothers looked more attacking in the second half as they made inroads but conceded a goal in the 54th minute from a penalty after Keeper Sukhwinder Singh needlessly foiled substitute Emmanu Elchinedu inside the box.

Referee Maria Joseph awarded the penalty to Vasco which Emmanu himself converted it.

Churchill Brothers regrouped after the setback and after persistent effort restored parity in the 66th minute when Sunday Chizoba Nwadialu gave a pass to a better-placed Pankay Sona inside the box who guided the ball into the net.

Vasco SC, who play their last match against Pune FC on November 4, now need a win to advance to the semifinal, while Pune FC only need a draw to advance to the knockout stage.

Churchill Brothers, who finished their league engagement with one point, are out of contention.