Bagan loses to Zee Churchill

MARGAO, FEB. 25. Defending champion Mohun Bagan's hopes of retaining title received a jolt today as it went down to Zee Churchill Sports (Goa) by 0-2 in the ninth round of the National Football league championship match being played at Nehru stadium Fatorda here.

Both the goals came in the second half through Igor Shkvrin in the 63rd minute and Andre Requena in the 89th minute for the winner.

Bagan, which played with full steam in both halves today failed in its acid test and conceded two goals while Zee Churchill avenged the two defeats it suffered at the hands of Bagan this season.

With this win Churchill boosted its tally to 11 points registering its third win and climbed one step ahead on sixth place below Vasco Sports Club which has 14 points, while Bagan had its second defeat and remained on same 15 points on fourth place with four wins, three draws and two defeats.

After a barren first half Churchill displayed scintillating soccer with waves of attacks and shot into the lead in the 63rd minute through Shkvrin. It was a fine move, when Francise Silveira sent a pass to Ajay Singh, who in quick time relayed it to unmarked Igor, who controlled the ball well and neatly placed it into the net to make it 1-0.

Churchill consolidated its lead a minute before the long whistle through Requena, who after dribbling past rival defenders unleashed a left-footer which found the net 2-0 and sealed the fate of Bagan.

- UNI

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Section  : Sport
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