Kochi: Churchill Brothers scraped past United SC in the inaugural match of the 35th Federation Cup here on Tuesday.
All the three goals came in the first half with Abdel Hamid Shabana (fifth minute) and Balwant Singh (17th) scoring for Churchill while Ranti Martins (43rd) reduced the margin for United in the Group A match.
In another match at Manjeri, the second venue, Dempo SC came back from a goal down to beat Bhawanipore FC 2-1.
Churchill Brothers, struggling in the I-League, surged into the lead early through Egyptian recruit Shabana.
Balwant doubled th lead in the 18th minute. Both the goals came after Churchill Brothers’ beat United’s off-side trap.
United’s goal came in the 43rd minute when Martins chested down Eric Brown’s floater, sidestepped Ravanan Dharmaraj and placed it past a diving Churchill goalkeeper Lalit Thapa.
After the interval, United came back with much purpose and were the more dominating side. They had a flurry of chances but failed to break the deadlock.
In Manjeri, second half strikes from Roberto Mendes Silva and Alwyn George sealed the match for Dempo after Bhawanipore had taken the lead courtesy a Dipendu Dowary strike.
If the first half belonged to Bhawanipore, the second session was Dempo’s.
While Alwyn George scored from close in the 66th minute, Beto curled in a freekick from the edge of the area 10 minutes later.
Meanwhile, Pune FC was held to a 1-1 draw by home side Eagles FC in the Group A opener in Kochi.
Striker Riga Mustapha (59th minute) gave Pune FC the lead before striker Koko Sakibo (78th) equalised for Eagles.
With a point each, Pune FC and Eagles FC stay second in the group behind Churchill (three points).
In the second match in Manjeri, Mohammedan Sporting defeated United Sikkim 2-1.
Josimar netted the first in the 63rd minute before Penn Orji made it 2-0 seven minutes later. Sikkim’s striker Adelaja reduced the margin in the 85th minute. (PTI)