Durand Cup champions Churchill Brothers started their campaign in the I-League on a bright note, scoring a 3-0 victory over Sporting Clube-de Goa [Images] at Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Sunday.

Churchill, who led 1-0 at half-time, scored through Odafe Onyenka Okolie (31st minute), Mboy Iyomi (65th) and Reisangmi Vashum (injury time).

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Both teams played at fast pace but the game was confined to the midfield for the major part of the first half.

Churchill, who enjoyed territorial advantage, looked more dominant in their attack.

Okolie, the Durand Cup hero, was kept quiet by the rival defenders who did not allow him space to operate.

However, he managed to hoodwink a couple of Sporting defenders in the 31st minute and put his team in the lead.

Two minutes later, Iyomi missed an opportunity to extend the lead.

Sporting were not able to test rival 'keeper Vinay Singh seriously except when he saved a free-kick by Mickey Fernandes.

After change of ends, Churchill continued to dominate with Okolie and Iyomi threatening the rival defence with their skilful play.

Iyomi increased the lead in the 65th minute. Vashum then tapped home a lob by substitute Jaison Vales to give Churchill an easy victory.

Earlier, Sporting keeper Felix D'Souza, who collided with Churchill's Lavino Fernandes, lay motionless on the pitch and play was halted for 10 minutes.

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