Kochi: Striker Sakibu Koko scored a brace as local side Eagles FC finished their campaign in the Federation Cup on a high with a 2-0 victory over United SC, in Group-A, at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Monday.
The second division club from Kerala had confirmed its exit with a draw and a defeat in the previous two group matches, but a much improved performance in the last match saw them finish ahead of United and Pune FC in the Group.
Churchill that had already ensured its qualification to the semifinals with two straight wins came out undisputed Group champions as they edged out Pune 3-2 in a high tension second match at the venue.
In the first match, United had clearly come under-prepared for Eagles as they left out a string of first choice players — Ranti Martins, Eric Brown, C.K. Vineeth, Deepak Mondal, K. Asif and Lal Kamal Bhowmick — on the bench.
Eagles coach Stanley Rozario opted for his best side and Nigerian Sakibu could simply not disappoint as he finished with four goals in three matches. The first in the evening was a delicious finish after beating the offside trap with a perfectly timed run, in the 12th minute.
United sought a response and were forced to bring in Bhowmick and Asif into the midfield just after the break. With Deepak Mondal replacing Anupam Sarkar in the defence, Eelco Schattorie signalled he wanted at least a point. Eagles defended resolutely and as the Kolkata side pressed higher and harder, Sakibu found Jayanta Paul out of position in the United goal and lofted a shot from as far as 30 yards late in the match to seal a memorable win.
Later, under the floodlights, Churchill had all the more reason to party for the I-League season set to resume after the winter break, as their fresh signing Anthony Wolfe, a World Cupper with Trinidad & Tobago, got his goalscoring boots on with a double strike.
The Caribbean who struck the first in the 6th minute with a gentle tap in, got the winner in the 73rd minute as the I-League champions who currently anchor the 13-team table, can hope for a reversal in fortunes and possibly, a silverware to the cabinet.
Gabriel Fernandes got a brace for Pune, but Lenny Rodrigues’ killer strike under the watchful eyes of his national coach Wim Koevermans, made the Goan’s efforts go in vain.
Group -A (Final standings)
Churchill Brothers - Played 3, Win 3, Points 9
Eagles FC - Played 3, Win 1, Draw 1, Loss 1, Points 4
United SC - Played 3, Win 1, Loss 2, Points 3
Pune FC - Played 3, Draw 1, Loss 2, Points 1
