Odafa antics help Churchill clinch IFA Shield

Churchill Brothers clinched their maiden IFA Shield title by beating local giants Mohun Bagan 2-0 in a lop-sided encounter at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

Odafa magic prevailed in the title-clash, as the highest paid Indian striker set up one for Reisangmi Vashum in the 41st minute and later scored during injury time of the first-half to round off the tally.

The momentum of the match was initially with Bagan, who made consistent raids into the rival half. However, Bagan failed to capitalize on many of the goal-scoring opportunities they created early on.

Churchill took advantage of this and made their opportunities count.

Odafa, who returned in summit clash after facing a suspension in the last match, slid and fell on the edge of the box after a harsh tackle by Mohun Bagan's N Mohan Raj.

Churchill took the lead when Odafa crossed to Vashum who struck from outside the box past Bagan 'keeper Shilton Paul.

Just before the breather, Odafa produced another magical moment. He zipped past a number of Bagan defenders and struck from close to seal the title for Churchill.