Koffi strike helps Churchill draw with EB, Lajong record first win

VASCO: Ivory Coast striker Mechac Koffi saved Churchill Brothers from defeat as they came from behind to hold East Bengal to a 1-1 draw in the Hero I-League here on Monday.

The match was keenly contested with East Bengal taking the lead in the 26th minute through Jobby Justin. But Churchill Brothers rode on Koffi’s brilliance to restore parity in the 75th minute.

After the draw, East Bengal remained at the top with 18 points from nine matches.

Jovel Martins and Wayne Vaz, who have been loaned from FC Pune City, made their debut along with Koffi as Churchill Brothers tried to change their fortunes in the New Year after five losses last year.

LAJONG BEAT ARROWS

SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC registered their first win of the year as they beat Indian Arrows 1-0 and moved up a place in the I-League.

Lajong’s foreign recruit Koffi (80’) scored the only goal of the match at the JLN Stadium.

Both teams started with the 4-2-3-1 formation in a bid to get the upper hand. Lajong created many chances to score during the first half but were not successful. Arrows goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill showed he was a force to reckon with as he made impressive saves.

CHENNAI HOPEFUL

COIMBATORE : Chennai City take on NEROCA FC here on Tuesday, seeking to improve on their showing in the first leg. Chennai City were dealt a 1-2 blow earlier this season. Ngangom Ronald’s injurytime winner left Soundarajan’s boys without a point despite Jean-Micheal Joachim cancelling out Kallon Kiatamba’s first-half strike. Chennai will now seek to rectify their errors and take full points at their new home ground.