VASCO: The Federation Cup matches played at Tilak Stadium, here, produced two draws—Viva Kerala let Chirag United Sports Club come from behind twice for a 2-2 result, while Sesa Football Academy split points with the formidable Churchill Brothers Sports Club in a 1-1 stalemate on Thursday.

In the first match, Viva Kerala went in the lead in the 35th minute with a goal scored by Sabeeth C S but with a minute left for the first half to end, Josimar Da Silva Martins restored parity for the Kolkata side. After change of ends, Sabeeth again put his team in front as he scored in the 53rd minute. To the dismay of the Kerala side, hardworking Josimar levelled the scores for the second time heading in a corner kick taken by substitute Munna Mallick in the 87th minute.
During the second half Chirag United increased the attacks through substitute Munna Mallick, Denson Devadas and Gouranga Biswas but the Viva Kerala defence led by Bello Rasaq, Charles Dzisah and Mohammed Nuneer kept them at bay. Referee Maria Rebello flashed caution card to Josimar Da Silva Martins for a dangerous tackle.
In the second match, Sesa FA looked a much improved side against Churchill Brothers. The Academy boys put up a stellar show in defence, unlike their previous performance, as they denied Churchill forwards any breathing space even after conceding six corner kicks.  
The determined Sesa defence, comprising of Shishuram C, Augustin Fernandes, Nicolau Colaco and Gagandeep Singh, thwarted the continuous onslaughts from Odafe Onyeka Okolie, Koko Sakibo, substitute Durga Boro and Robert Lalthlamvana for the major part of the second half.
But there was a defensive lapse as a quick move between Charan Rai, Robert Lalthlamvana and Koko Sakibo produced a chance for Odafe. Sakibo shot towards the goal and the ball slipped off Sesa keeper Shayan Roy’s hands and an onrushing Odafe toed in to give Churchill the lead.
Hardworking Lezly Fernandes headed in the equaliser for Sesa through another goalkeeping lapse. A power-packed longranger taken by Shishuram C wobbled out of Churchill keeper Lalit Thapa’s hands and an opportunistic Lezly headed in to the surprise of the Churchill defenders.
Thereafter, Sesa went on the defensive while Churchill, in bid to increase the lead, forced six corner kicks which they could not take advantage of. Referee M Arokiaraj flashed caution card to Odafe, Ravanan Dharmaraj of Churchill Brothers and Pratesh Shirodkar and substitute Gabriel Fernandes of Sesa Football Academy.
In their next match, Sesa Football Academy will meet Viva Kerala at 2 p.m. and Churchill Brothers clash with Chirag United at 4.15 p.m. on September 25.