Chennai thrash Minerva in last game to clinch title
NEWDELHI: Chennai City FC were crowned the champions of the 2018-19 I-league on Saturday after they defeated defending champions Minerva Punjab FC 3-1 in Coimbatore.
Going into the final match of the league, Chennai needed a win with second-placed East Bengal a point drift. The Kolkata club also won their final league match against Gokulam Kerala FC 2-1 in Kozhikode on Saturday but Chennai’s result ensured they lift the title.
Minerva stunned Chennai in the third minute as Roland Bilala found the net. The teams went into the half-time with Minerva leading 1-0.
After the break, Chennai restored parity with Spanish forward Pedro Manzi scoring from the spot in the 56th minute. Gourav Bora gave the hosts the lead in the 69th minute and then added another in the injury time.
Chennai finished on top with 43 points from 20 matches while East Bengal finished runnerd-up with 42 points in as many games.
KASHMIR THIRD
IMPHAL: Danish Farooq struck twice to guide debutante Real Kashmir FC to a thrilling 3-2 win over Neroca in what could be their penultimate I-League match here on Saturday.
It was the hosts who drew first
blood in the 18th minute through Subash Singh. Neroca FC scored their second goal in the added time (90th + 4th) through Felix Chidi.
Real Kashmir, however, powered by a brace from Farooq (29th, 48th) and Bazie Armand (57th) wrapped the game in style.
Farooq was adjudged the Hero of the match for this game.
With this loss, Neroca FC finished their campaign in the sixth place with 26 points while Real Kashmir FC propel to the third position with 36 points on their debut season.
AIZAWL WIN
AIZAWL: Aizawl FC ended their I-league campaign on a high, notching up a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Churchill Brothers FC here on Saturday.
Churchill Brothers drew first blood through Willis Plaza in the 4th minute but an unfortunate own goal in the 42nd minute from Hussain Eldor of Churchill Brothers brought up the equalizer for Aizawl FC. Kromah then converted a penalty in the 87th minute to earn the win.