I-League: Defending champions Minerva Punjab held to goalless draw by Churchill Brothers

Defending champions Minerva Punjab were held to a goalless draw by Churchill Brothers in their I-League opener at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Sunday.

Back from the league victory in their maiden season at the top-tier, Minerva failed to put anything that helped them clinch a sensational title victory and it was Churchill, who created numerous chances and should have returned with a victory.

Former East Bengal striker Willis Plaza was at the end of most of those chances but failed to find the net. The best of them was in the ninth minute when a short corner from Dawda Ceesay saw Khalid Aucho float in a lovely ball into the Minerva box, but with all the time in his hand, Plaza disappointingly headed the ball wide.

Then in the 20th minute, the Trinidad and Tobago striker wasted even a better opportunity with the home team goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy making an important interception to prevent the 31-year-old from scoring. After snatching a ball inside the Minerva half, Hussein Eldor sent Plaza through in goal, but Roy rushed out of his line to avert the danger.

Minerva came back to life after the introduction of Dilliram Sanyasi in the second half. His introduction induced much-needed pace along the lines and together with Philip Njoku, Minerva looked threatening for most of the final 45 minutes.

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Their first opportunity came through Njoku when the Nigerian was sent clear from a low cross from Souvik Das inside the Churchill box. But his right-footer sailed over the bar.

Minutes later Minerva had another glorious opportunity to score and yet again it was Njoku at the center after his quick 1-2 between him and Sangwan almost saw the Nigerian clear on goal, but Eldor made an important interception to keep the match restricted to a goalless stalemate.

But it was again Churchill, who could have sealed the victory in the final minute but substitute Uttam Rai shot straight at the Minerva goalkeeper.

Mohanraj’s horrendous back pass saw Rai in a one-on-one situation with the opposition goalkeeper, but his volley was straight at Roy.