Following Pune FC's draw against Dempo on Thursday, Churchill needed an outright win to claim the runners' up spot and the hosts settled down quickly with Odafe Okolie and Felix Chimaokwu putting the rival defense under immense pressure. The duo could have scored an early goal but their attempts hit the post.
Air India, whose citadel survived two close chances, finally conceded a goal in the 21st minute. Kalu Nnana sent a long pass to Odafe, who after beating a host of defenders and goalkeeper Kunal Sawant, slotted the ball into the empty net.
Churchill could have easily led by at least six goals in the first half had it not been for Air India custodian Sawant, who denied Odafe and Felix twice each.Churchill increased their lead after the change of ends when Odafe chested the ball and essayed a shot that hit the post but shot home the ball off the rebound to win the highest scorer award with 22 goals.
Felix Chimaokwu was a live wire upfront. He then increased the lead in the 67th minute with an angular drive that hit the post and went in.Air India, who were at the receiving end for major part of the match, reduced the margin when Ndubuisi Opara headed in a cross from the right from substitute Praneel Mendon in the 73rd minute.
But Felix hit back in a minute to score his second from inside the box.
Jaison Valles then rounded off the tally when he executed a long ranger that found the net in the 80th minute.Churchill, who finished second, took their tally to 43 points, a point above third place Pune FC.Air India finished 12th with 28 points from 26 matches.
