The combination of debutant Ghanian, Benjamin Assah and Yusif Yakubu proved to hot too to handle for Dempo Sports Club as they went down to their Goa mates Churchill Brothers 0-2 in the National Football League in Margao, Goa, on Saturday.

Churchill took control over the proceedings from the start. Newcomer Benjamin Ansah played the perfect foil to Yakubu, who scored both the goals, as they threatened the rival defence whenever they had the ball in their possession.

Yakubu, who looked dangerous upfront, gave Churchill the lead in the 11th minute. Ratan Singh sent a cross from the left and 'keeper Francis Fernandes, instead of collecting the ball, palmed it in the direction of an advancing Yakubu, who made no mistake in finding the net.

Yakubu increased the lead in the 21st minute following a combined move between him and Ansah. Yakubu was quick to tap home Ansah's stiff left-footer which crashed into the upright and ricocheted.