Churchill enter Durand Cup semis with Okolie’s triple strike
By IANSSunday, October 31, 2010
NEW DELHI - Churchill Brothers downed Army Red 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals while Pune FC and Chirag united played out a goalless draw in the other quarter-final of the Durand Cup football here Sunday.
Churchill Brothers posted a comfortable win over Army Red with Nigerian goal machine Odafa Okolie scoring a hat-trick for the Goan club.
It was an even battle between the two teams till the first half with the score tied at 1-1. Okolie’s 35th minute strike was shortlived as S. Raleng equalised in the 44th minute.
Okolie brought the fancied Churchill team into lead in the second half with a 57th minute goal. The Army unit failed to find an equaliser this time and the Nigerian sealed the tie for Churchill with his third strike in the 90th minute.
The Churchill Brothers play their semi-final Nov 3.
The second match of the day between the Pune FC and Chirag United turned out to be a tame draw as both teams failed to find the back of the net in stipulated time.
There will be plenty to look forward for the football fans Monday as star-studded East Bengal will be seen in action against Salgaocar FC. The Bengal team earlier thrased Air India 4-1 in their opening encounter and are hot favourites to lift the title.
JCT Phagwara will clash with Garhwal Heroes in the other match Monday.
