Churchill beat Army XI 2-1

New Delhi:

Helped by two splendid goals by their new Iranian recruit Mousavi Sayed Amin, Goa's Zee Churchill prevailed over Army XI 2-1 while Kerala's FC Kochin, drew goalless with BSF, Jallandhar, in their opening respective Group "D" and Group "C" quarterfinal league ties of 114th Durand Cup football tournament here today. Forward Amin, a player of the Iran's first division team Paican who showed glimpses of his brilliance with speed and ball control, gave the Goan outfit the lead in the 25th minute of first half. 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 without giving any chance to Army custodian Abun Gobi. Zee Churchill, who maintained territorial supremacy despite the occasional forays made by the Army men particularly in the second half, scored their second goal in 70th minute of play. Amin, who came to Goa only a week back to play for Zee Churchill, converted a beautiful corner by Ghanian-recruit forward Yusif Yakubu with a delectable header (2-0). 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 FC Kochin and BSF was a lackluster one with the more skilful and young Kochin players, mostly from Tata Football Academy, having an edge. (PTI)