Vasco: Goan supremacy in Indian football continued as Churchill Brothers comfortably sealed their second I-League title with a match to spare by playing out a 1-1 draw with Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan here on Tuesday.
With 52 points from 25 games, the Red Devils have ensured that they will walk home with prize money of Rs 7 million.
The power equation in Indian football has now decisively shifted to Goa from Kolkata, which was once considered the Mecca of Indian football.
With Churchill’s triumph, in the last five editions of the national league, Churchill and Dempo have won twice while Salgaocar have had their hands on the silverware once.
The win also provided a second lease of life for technical director Subhash Bhowmick, who has now got the rare distinction of winning the I-League while being at the helm of two different sides.
Bhowmick has earlier won two National League titles with East Bengal back in 2002-03, 03-04.
“I never dreamt of winning the I-League, but here we are, the I-League champions,” Bhowmick said.
Churchill, who needed a draw to overcome Pune FC’s challenge for the title given their better head-to-head record, got a rude shock when CS Sabeeth of Bagan scored from a solo effort in the 26th minute.
But India captain Sunil Chhetri restored parity in the second half to ensure that the supporters who gathered at the Tilak Maidan were able to start celebrating.
Bagan, who made Churchill work hard, have 26 points from 25 matches and have leapfrogged Shillong Lajong FC into 10th place.
Both clubs have one match remaining, with SLFC on 25 points.
Churchill Brothers, who last won in 2008-09, pressed hard for an early goal but were frustrated by the visitors who also looked enterprising in their attack.
“I’m really happy, actually on top of the world. This is fantastic,” coach Mariano Dias said. “The credit goes to all the players and support staff as it has been a team effort all through the campaign. I believed in the team and was optimistic that we would finish first or second and here were are, at the top.” (PTI)