Churchill score over Army XI;
F C Kochin, BSF draw goalless

Helped by two splendid goals from their new Iranian recruit Mousavi Sayed Amin, Goa's Zee Churchill prevailed over Army XI 2-1 in their opening Group D quarter-final league matche in the 114th Durand Cup football tournament in Delhi on Thursday.

In another match, in Group C, Kerala's F C Kochin drew goallless with BSF, Jallandhar,

Striker Amin, who plays for Iran's first division team Paican, showed excellent speed and ball control as he gave the Goan outfit the lead in the 25th minute. Receiving a ball from the midfield, Amin made a solo run and outwitted two Army defenders before sending a powerful grounder that found the target giving no chance to Army custodian Abun Gobi.

Churchill, who maintained territorial supremacy despite the occasional forays made by the Army men particularly in the second half, scored their second goal in the 70th minute. Amin, who came to Goa only a week back, converted a beautiful corner by Ghanian recruit, forward Yusif Yakubu, with a delectable header (2-0).

The army team's left winger Lal Sangliana reduced the margin (2-1) in the 73rd minute off a pass from P Debnath.

The match between F C Kochin and BSF was a lacklusture affair, with the more skilful and young Kochin players, mostly from Tata Football Academy, having an edge.

114th Durand Cup 2002 - the complete coverage
National Football League - the complete coverage