Date:30/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083061481800.htm

Sport - Football

Churchill begins well

NEW DELHI: Churchill Brothers and Mahindra United were off to a victorious campaign in the 121st Osian’s Durand Cup with convincing victories in the quarterfinal league at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Friday.

Churchill toyed with Mumbai FC 3-1 while Mahindra whipped Army XI 3-0.

Mahindra hardly missed their trusted midfielders Steven Dias and N.P. Pradeep and the goals came from Mohd. Rafi, Edeh Chidi and Dohou Pierre.

Mahindra exploited the Army XI weakness in the defence and opted for the aerial route. Rafi opened the scoring in the 38th minute, when he headed in a corner kick, and then Chidi slammed from the top of the box three minutes later.

On resumption, Mahindra showed no inclination to ease the pressure and scored again from a penalty. D. Ravanan was brought down in the box and the resultant penalty was converted by Ghanian Pierre.