Mohammed Rafi and Murritala Ali scored two goals each to guide Mahindra United to a convincing 4-1 win over defending champion Churchill Brothers in the 14th round of the I-League football tournament played at Nehru Stadium in Margao on Wednesday.
The victory propelled Mahindra to the second spot with 25 points from 14 matches. They are now behind table-topper Dempo Sports Club, who have 26 points from 13 matches.
Mahindra, who led 1-0 at the half time, scored through Rafi (16th, 70th minutes) and Ali (56th and injury time) to post a convincing win over their formidable rivals.
Viva Kerala, Salgaocar play out 1-1 draw
Viva Kerala settled for a 1-1 draw against Salgaocar Sporting Club in their first third leg home ground encounter of the ONGC I-league football match in Kozhikode on Wednesday.
Desperate for a win, the Salgaocar team struck first as Viva Kerala goal-keeper Sharath K failed to grab the ball pushed by Goan striker Ekene M Ikenva in the 14th minute.
The equaliser for the home team came as Viva captain Sakeer M P struck a neat goal in the 54th minute.
In their next match, Viva Kerala will take on Dempo Sporting Club, Goa here on March 8.
Mahindra Satyam gives up land to Gujarat govt
Viva Kerala halt Mumbai FC's unbeaten run
Bencherifa set to coach Salgaocar
Mahindra United, MSSA out of U-15 Premier Cup
I-League: Pune FC register easy win over Salgaocar