The victory in the match played at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda propelled Mahindras to the second spot with 25 points from 14 matches. They are now behind table toppers Dempo Sports Club, who have 26 points from 13 matches.
Mahindra, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through Rafi (16th, 70th minutes) and Ali (56th and injury time) to post a convincing win over their formidable rivals.
Mahindra earned a penalty in the 16th minute when Sushant Mathew was brought down by Rowilson Rodrigues inside the box. Rafi, who took the spot kick, made no mistake and Mahindra opened their account. Mahindra earned another penalty in the 56th minute when Ali was brought down inside the box by Churchill defender Dhanachandra Singh. Ali, who himself took the kick, scored after ‘keeper Arindam Bhattacharya blocked the shot but could not stop the ball from rolling into the net.
Viva hold Salgaocar
In Kozhikode, Viva Kerala settled for a 1-1 draw against Salgaocar Sporting Club, Goa in their first third leg home ground encounter.
Salgaocar struck first as Viva goal keeper Sharath K failed to grab the ball pushed by Goan striker Ekene M Ikenva in the 14th minute. Viva scored the equaliser through captain Sakeer M P in the 54th minute.
Okoro strikes
In Shillong, new recruit Emmanuel Okoro scored the all-important goal as JCT edged out Shillong Lajong FC 1-0. JCT custodian and man of the match Karanjit Singh thwarted a number of attempts from the home side to give his team its second win of the season.
After a barren first half which Lajong dominated, an unchecked Okoro headed home a cross from substitute Jaswinder Singh in the 74th minute to score the winner.
