Vasco (Goa): I-League table toppers Minerva Punjab’s unbeaten five-match run came to an end in their 1-2 defeat to hosts Churchill Brothers here on Friday.
Churchill scored through Mechac Koffi (16th minute) and Wayne Vaz (45th). Kassim Aidara responded for Minerva in the 57th.
Minerva created several chances in the second half but their in-form Bhutan striker Chencho Gyeltshen wasted a penalty in the 61st.
The win took Churchill to seventh place with 13 points from 11 matches. Despite the loss, Minerva Punjab remained on top with 26 points from 12 games.
The hosts took the lead in 16th minute from a penalty after Minerva defender Sukhdev Singh pulled down Dawda Ceesay inside the box, Koffi converting the spot kick. Churchill then went 2-0 up when Vaz’s cross flew into the net.
After the break, the visitors showed a lot of urgency in their attack and Aidara netted from close range.
The goal spurred Minerva but Chencho’s wasted penalty ruined their hopes.
Shillong host Mohun Bagan
Shillong Lajong will be hopeful of a positive result against when they host Mohun Bagan on Saturday.
Shillong beat Neroca in their last match while Bagan drew 1-1 away at Aizawl. In the first leg in Kolkata, Lajong drew 1-1 with the Mariners.
In Coimbatore, Chennai City FC host defending champions Aizawl FC at the JLN Stadium on Saturday.
