Fatorda Stadium, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : Churchill Brothers SC kicked off their Indian Super League (ISL) Season 13 campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC at Fatorda Stadium. The match marked their first home game, and the team showcased impressive performance throughout.
The scoring began in the 57th minute when Gaurav Bora netted the club’s first goal with a header. Just before the match concluded, Sebastián Gutiérrez secured a second goal in the 86th minute. Although Sergio Lamas converted a penalty in stoppage time, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome for the Islanders.
Mumbai City initially controlled the game, maintaining possession and pushing forward. In the 9th minute, a cross from Wilmar Jordan reached Brandon Fernandes, whose shot was blocked by Syed Kadir. Churchill responded quickly, with Vincy Barretto firing a shot just over the bar after a corner in the 10th minute.
A free kick was awarded to Mumbai City in the 17th minute after a foul on Wilmar Jordan. Brandon took the kick, but the deflected ball was saved by Akash Mishra. By the 20th minute, Vijay Chhetri cleared a lobbed ball from Churchill inside the Mumbai City box. Churchill made a substitution in the 32nd minute, bringing in Danny Singh for Provat Lakra. Wade Lecky tested the goalkeeper with a long-range shot in the 37th minute, but the first half ended in a stalemate at 0-0.
During halftime, Gaurav Bora replaced Alexander Yole, solidifying Churchill’s backline with all Indian players. The second half began with both teams pushing for opportunities. In the 55th minute, Trijoy Dias replaced captain Kingsley Fernandes.
Churchill took the lead two minutes later. Anil Gawankar delivered a cross after a short corner, allowing Bora to score with a header. Wade Lecky nearly increased the lead in the 58th minute, hitting the crossbar with a curling shot.
Mumbai City made three substitutions in the 62nd minute, bringing in Farukh for Vijay Chhetri, Sirkovich for Otoramin, and Jothanpuia for Bavitlung. After the game resumed, the Islanders created several chances. Hridai Jain replaced Valpuia in the 77th minute, and Muhammad Azsal came on for Wilmar Jordan in the 85th minute.
Churchill sealed their victory in the 86th minute. Stanley Fernandes, who had just come on for Trijoy Dias, assisted Gutiérrez, who scored from inside the box, making it 2-0.
In added time, Mumbai City was awarded a penalty after Angu fouled Akash Mishra in the box. Lamas converted the penalty, bringing the score to 2-1, but it was too late to alter the historic win for Churchill Brothers.
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