The fifth edition of the I-League has kicked-off, and in style.

Super Cup Champions Kingfisher East Bengal disappointed their home fans in the first match when they went down to Churchill Brothers by a solitary goal at the Salt Lake Stadium scored by ND Opara in the 13th minute.

The Goan team dominated early proceedings and even after Opara had put it past rival goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh for an early lead, the pair of Opara and Gabon International Henry Arnaud tested the East Bengal defence posing continuous threats.

East Bengal took time to settle down and once they did, striker Tolgay Ozbey had even headed the ball into the net off a corner only to be disallowed by the linesman.

However, East Bengal came with more purpose in the second half but were denied by an acrobatic Churchill goalkeeper Felix early. And then, Tolgay struck the crossbar with an effort from inside the box in the 57th minute.

Churchill did survive some anxious moments in the dying minutes. Churchill’s Antun Kovacic was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match.

Earlier, the Opening Ceremony set the tone for the kick-off. Some excellent performances by the Dhakis, Bandage and Nachiketa entertained all including the Chief Guest Leander Paes.

FULL MATCH STATS AVAILABLE AT
http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2011/10/21/i-league-201112-results-stats/?match=1

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DEMPO BEAT SALGAOCAR 1-0

In Margao, former Champions Dempo SC defeated Defending Champions 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Ranti Martins, the winner of the Golden Boot in the last edition made the difference between the two teams in the 80th minute. Ranti tapped it past rival goalkeeper Karanjit Singh in a one-to-one situation.

Both teams did have their chances but Dempo were eventually rewarded for their perseverance. Dependable defender Mahesh Gawli was awarded the Man-of-the-Match.

FULL MATCH STATS AVAILABLE AT
http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2011/10/21/i-league-201112-results-stats/?match=3

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CHIRAG KERALA BEAT HAL 1-0
In Bangalore, Chirag Kerala defeated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 1-0. CK Vineet capitalizing on a defensive lapse, scored the winner in the 13th minute. HAL did go all out in the second half but failed to open the goalmouth. Some stubborn defending from Chirag’s central defenders – Dzisah and Bookaye saw them through.

FULL MATCH STATS AVAILABLE AT
http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2011/10/21/i-league-201112-results-stats/?match=4

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(AIFF Press Release)