S Releng netted the lone goal of the match in the 37th minute for the Bangalore team, who are already out of contention. But their win on Tuesday sent Mahindra United to the semi-finals. Mahindra are now the only Mumbai team remaining in this year’s Durand Cup.

It also rendered the big clash of the day — between Churchill Brothers and Mahindra United — almost inconsequential and it was reduced to a test of strength before the semi-finals. The evenly contested match ended 1-1, although Mahindra’s equaliser in the second was a rather controversial one. Buoyed by the previous match’s result, Mahindra decided to rest their mainstays — Mohammad Rafi, Sukhwinder Singh, Edeh Chidi and Douhous Pierre.

One-man army

It took Churchill only eight minutes to seize the opportunity, as Reisangmi Vashum netted in off a clean strike from the top of the box. Churchill coach Emeka Ezugo, unlike his counterpart Derrick Pereira, began with his key players Odafa Onyeka and Ogba Kalu Nnanna, keeping the midfield and forward line busy. For Odafa, his coach’s criticism after the last match looked like doing wonders, but at the same time he appeared to be leading a single-man army with almost none to assist him upfront.

But Ezugo didn’t sound too bothered about the lack of attack and cited the example of goal scorer Vashum. “Odafa is playing well. But he is not our only striker. Today’s goal is an example. And for Odafa, you can’t have markers,” Ezugo said.

The Goans found themselves in trouble for the first time when Gourmangi Singh hit Sushil Kumar Singh on his head in his attempt to draw the ball. The result was the first red card of the tournament. While many thought it was harsh on Gourmangi, who almost involuntarily went to Sushil’s help, match commissioner Goutam Kar stayed away from commenting, saying it was one of those things only the on-ground officials had the discretion of acting upon.

In the second half, Mahindra came out all guns blazing, with the coach finally deciding to play Rafi, Pierre and Chidi, while Churchill’s reliance on Odafa and Kalu became increasingly evident. Despite numerous attacks, it was only in the 64th minute that a second and perhaps the best opportunity came their way when Justine Stephen pulled down Odafa inside the danger area. However, the African striker’s spot kick hit the bar.

Controversial goal

Ten minutes later, Mahindra equalised with Chidi scoring off Ajayan’s pass from the left. Many failed to catch a glimpse of the strike as another ball, lying inches outside the box, became too conspicuous. Churchill players appealed furiously but failed to impress referee Pratap Singh.

While the on-field officials didn’t comment, the match commissioner ignored the matter saying the move was more important for the referee than a stagnant ball. “At that moment, it was absolutely impossible for the referee to divert his concentration from the move inside the box. Had he noticed it he must have stopped the game. And in such cases, the assistant referees or the fourth official can’t intervene,” Kar said.

The 1-1 scoreline had nothing to do with the next round slots, but there were a few lessons for everybody, including the players and the officials. Off the field, though, Derrick Pereira clearly returned with the upper hand.

Besides losing Gourmangi, Churchill also had to face two bookings, adding to Ezugo’s headache — Warun Deep was shown the yellow card in the 22nd minute for knocking down Arata Izumi while Reisangmi Vashum was shown the yellow in the 78th minute for fouling Douhous Pierre.