Kingfisher East Bengal play out a draw against Churchill Brothers in Hero Fed Cup opener

CUTTACK: Kingfisher East Bengal opened their Hero Federation Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Churchill Brothers at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha today (May 07, 2017).
In a tightly contested encounter, the Red and Golds took the lead in the 65th minute through Wedson Anselme but Ghanefo Kromah’s 80th-minute equalizer spoiled the party for Kingfisher East Bengal as both Teams shared the spoils of battle at full-time.
In a first half, which saw end-to-end action, both Teams tried to take advantage in the early minutes by bettering the other. However, neither came on top at the half time. Kingfisher East Bengal fostered the first goalscoring chance of the match in the 12th minute Plaza broke free of his defensive shackles but failed to convert from close range.
Churchill Brothers sitting deep and playing on counters reverted in the 20th minute with a chance of their own. Anthony Wolfe latched onto a lobbed through ball, but Subhashish came off his lines before Wolfe could release the shot inside the box.
The end-to-end action culminated in the 32nd minute. First, Churchill Brother’s Liberian striker Kromah failed to add venom to his shot, resulting in an easy save. And then, Plaza for Kingfisher East Bengal came close to give the Red and Golds the lead.
Although Kingfisher East Bengal dominated the first half with 11 shots as compared to Churchill Brother’s 4, both Teams went into the tunnel on level pegging.
Substitute Pankaj Sona was handed a brilliant opportunity to open the goal scoring charts for Churchill Brothers but the forward failed to check his run and was caught offside in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, Brandon fluffed his shot from inside the box to add to Churchill’s attacking woes.
In the 65th minute, Wedson Anselme broke the deadlock after he latched onto a through ball from Bikash Jairu and brushed off three opposition defenders before side-footing the ball into the back of the net to give Kingfisher East Bengal the lead.
Although Churchill Brothers fought valiantly, the Goan outfit missed the edge in their attacking sword against a solid and experienced Kingfisher East Bengal. But in the 80th minute, callous defending by Kingfisher East Bengal led Churchill Brothers to equalize proceedings when Kromah capitalized on a cut back pass and scored without any pressure.
The full-time scoreline read 1-1 as both Teams shared one point each.
Football News / Indian Super League
Reebok Returns to Football with John Abraham’s NorthEast United FC
Kicking off a powerful new chapter in Indian football, Reebok, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, has announced a strategic partnership with NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC). Owned…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF charts roadmap for Indian women’s national team after historic Asian Cup qualification
The All India Football Federation President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, on Friday, July 11, 2025, convened a meeting with Deputy Secretary General, Mr M. Satyanarayan, Technical Director, Mr. Syed Sabir Pasha,…
Durand Cup returns to Imphal with a grand trophy tour
Imphal welcomed the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies with a grand trophy tour as Asia’s oldest football tournament returned to Manipur’s capital after a two-year hiatus. The three trophies of the…
India U20 women’s coach Joakim Alexandersson names 24-member travelling squad for Uzbekistan friendlies
The Indian U20 women’s team will play two friendly matches in Tashkent against Uzbekistan U20 women on July 13 and 16, 2025, as part of their preparations for the AFC…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…