Jan 02: A second half dazzling hat-trick by Churchill's Nigerian recruit Odafe Okolie, with a total of four goals, powered his team to score a convincing 5-1 win over statemate Salgaocar SC in the eight round match of the ONGC I-League match played at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, here on Monday.
Both the teams were tied 1-1 at half time. Churchill scored through man of the match Odafe Okolie (42nd, 80th, 85th and 86th) and Rowlison Rodrigues (79th) while Felix Chimaokwu (40th) scored the opening goal of the match for Salgaocar.
Odafe scored four goals including a three-goal crack down on the rival's goal in a span of just six minutes to conclude 2007 on great note. Odafe became the highest scorer, after scoring an amazing 57 goals in 2007, the highest by any footballer in a calendar year.
After this victory, Churchill moved to 16 points, just two points behind table-toppers Dempo and JCT, who are tied on 18 points while Salgaocar facing a relegation after remaining on 3 points.
Salgaocar played an attacking game right from the word go to upset Churchill's dream in the first half. Their forwards Fabio and Felix teamed up well to dominate the proceedings for the former champions but failed to avail their chances at the right time.
Salgaocar was denied a sure goal in the 28th minute when a flag-kick from Rocus Lamare hit the crossbar. Amending their previous mistakes Salgaocar surged ahead through Felix in the 40th minute, who headed home Fabio's free-kick after his shot deflected off Biju Kumar (1-0).
Two minutes later Odafe received a fine pass from Iyomi Mboyo and got the better of defender Samson Fernandes and the proceeding custodian Milagrio Medeira to restore parity (1-1).
After changing the ends, Churchill got hold of the second half as Odafe started to get his feet movement right. Salgaocar managed to counter the threatening Odafe to some extent but their efforts went in vain as the goal glut started in the 78th minute.
Rowilson Rodrigues got Churchill into lead with a clean header that gave Goan outfit their second goal (2-1). Thereafter Odafe took over and turned the table on his opponents. He was unstoppable as he slammed home three trinkets to seal the fate of the match.
First, Odafe made it 3-1 in the 80th with a superb solo and five minutes later smashed a 35-yard kick to leave the Salgaocar goalie stranded making the scoreline 4-1. Odafe came up with yet another solo effort to complete the rout (5-1). In the injury minute, Salgaocar were down to ten-men when Shylo M was given arching order after receiving his second booking of the day.
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