Salgaocar rally to upset Churchill

Zee Churchill's hopes of winning the Tata National Football League suffered a huge setback after they were shocked by former champions Salgaocar 1-2 in an exciting 19th round match of the tournament in Goa on Tuesday.

Churchill led 1-0 at half-time.

The first leg meeting between the two Goa teams ended in a 1-1 draw.

Churchill started well and took an early lead through a penalty kick, scored by Yusif Yakubu.

Yakubu, the leading scorer of the tournament, with 15 goals, got a couple of more chances to increase the lead but once his weak header was collected by Salgaocar 'keeper Chaubey, and later his try missed the target narrowly.

Salgaocar took time to settle down but found the rhythm midway into the first half. They went all out in search of the equaliser and after missing a few chances scored in the 54th minute through Sunday Seah.

They then dominated the entire second half and got the match-winner through a penalty, which was scored by Alex Ambrose in the 71st minute.

Salgaocar could have won by a bigger margin but for rival keeper Edward Ansah's fine anticipation. Ansah was involved in at least three saves.

Churchill came off with occassional moves and nearly succeeded in equalising in the dying minutes but substitute Somatai Shaiza's left footer was brilliantly saved by a diving Chaubey.

Zee Churchill, who suffered their first home defeat, are second on the league table with 36 points from 19 matches, behing Mohun Bagan, who have 38 points.

Salgacoar, with this win, brightened their chances of winning the title. They placed third with 35 points from 19 matches.

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