I-League champions Churchill Brothers beat Air India 5-3 via the penalty shoot-out, in a rain-marred encounter, to enter the final of the 114th IFA Shield football tournament at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday.
After extra-time failed to break a 1-1 deadlock, Churchill won the tie-breaker 4-2, the winning goal coming through Nacimento Silveira, whose shot deceived Air India 'keeper Arnab Das Sharma.
Chruchill's other scorers in the shoot-out were Ogba Kalu Nnanna, Sudharkarn Naveen Kumar and Gourmangi Singh, while Reisangmei Vashum's shot was saved by Sharma.
For the Mumbai outfit, Harpreet Singh and Vijith Shetty were on target, but Kailash Patel hit the bar and Tapan Maity's effort was wide.
It was Air India who secured an early lead through an own goal by Chuchill defender Rowilson Rodrigues, in the 14th minute.
Churchill failed to convert nine corners and as many free-kicks in first-half as Air India clung on to their lead till the 76th minute.
Vashum had a forgettable outing in the first half but the medio brought Churchill back into the game with a spectacular goal in the 76th minute.
Air India went ahead when Churchill defender Rodrigues's outstretched foot made the ball loop over their custodian Arindam -- who watched helplessly -- and enter the goal.
After the change of ends, Air India held on to their 1-0 lead and just when it seemed they would progress to the final, Vashum, from the edge of the box, lofted the ball over the goalkeeper's head into the net.
Spotting Air India custodian Arnab off line, Vashum chipped the ball over with a sharp left-footer to find the equaliser.
After 10 minutes, the Goans could have settled the issue but Durga Boro's a shot from close was well-saved by the Air India custodian.
Both teams had few chances in extra-time, but failed to capitalise on them.
