Goal.com

Goal.com takes a look back at all the action from Week 17 of the I-League and picks a team from among the best performers.

Round 17 of the Indian I-League witnessed some crucial battles at both ends of the table and the outcomes of the matches have dramatically reshaped the fight for the title as well as well as the scrap to avoid the drop.

Churchill Brothers secured a pivotal 3-0 win over East Bengal in a top- of- the- table clash. It was a tight contest with few clear cut opportunities and the Goans made the most of their chances at the Salt Lake Stadium. Henry Antchouet gave the visitors the lead on 34 minutes and he doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time. Substitute Akram Moghrabi than wrapped the points on 82 minutes. With the result, Mariano Dias’ men move onto 37 points from 15 games and move four points clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile, East Bengal remain 2nd and are stuck on 33 points having played two games more.

Dempo SC annihilated a hapless United Sikkim side 7-0 to emerge from their recent slump in form. Jaoquim Abranches started the scoring early on with a goal in the 5th minute. Clifford Miranda and Koko Sakibo helped themselves to a brace and a hattrick respectively. Ferrao Joy also joined in the party with a late goal. Armando Colaco’s men have hence claimed the third spot in the standings, with an equal head-to-head record with East Bengal who have a better goal difference, while United Sikkim only have 10 points to show from 16 matches and occupy the second from bottom spot.

Mumbai FC registered a 2-1 home win against Prayag United to snap the visitors’ three-game winning streak. Gabriel Fernandes put the home side in front on the half hour mark but C.K Vineeth restored parity on 47 minutes. However an unfortunate own goal from Bello Rasaq handed the hosts all three points. With the win, Mumbai moved to within two points of Prayag United, who stay fifth with 26 points.

Pailan Arrows beat Shillong Lajong 1-0 at home to make a welcome return to winning ways. It was a scrappy game full of industry and endeavour, but one utterly lacking in quality. It was a tight contest where goalmouth opportunities were in short supply to say the least and Prabir Das’ goal on 39 minutes handed the home side the all important win. With the result, Pailan Arrows move onto 18 points from 16 games and are in 8th position. Shillong Lajong are just a place below them with 15 points from 17 games.

Salgaocar FC eased to a 2-0 win over Mohun Bagan, who were making a return to I-League proceedings. Goals from Gabriel Obatola and Josimar in either half gave David Booth’s side a vital three points in the battle to escape relegation.  As a consequence, Salgaocar move on 14 points from 16 games and are in 12th position, while the Mariners have 0 points from 11 outings.

Pune FC had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Sporting Clube de Goa after the Red Lizards spurned a whole host of chances to find the back of the net. With the points being split, Derrick Pereira’s side lose further ground at the top and they are in 4th place with 30 points from 15 games, 7 points behind league leaders Churchill Brothers. On the other hand, the Goan outfit are in 11th position with 14 points from 16 games.

The game between Air India and ONGC FC was postponed at the time of writing.

TEAM OF ROUND 17

Bruno Sporting Clube de Goa

Bilal Najarin Churchill Brothers SC

Prathamesh Maulingker Pailan Arrows

Rowilson Rodrigues Dempo SC

Gabriel Fernandes Mumbai FC

John Wilkinson Salgaocar FC

Beto Churchill Brothers SC

Clifford Miranda Dempo SC

Gabriel Obatola Salgaocar FC

Koko Sakibo Dempo SC

Henry Antchouet Churchill Brothers SC

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