Churchill Brothers SC Triumphs Over Mumbai City FC in ISL Opener

Churchill Brothers SC Kicks Off ISL Season with a Win

In their inaugural match of the MG Indian Super League Season 13, Churchill Brothers SC secured a 2-1 victory against Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium. Gaurav Bora scored the club's first-ever goal in the ISL with a header in the 57th minute, followed by a second goal from Sebastian Gutierrez in the 86th minute. Although Sergio Llamas managed to score a penalty for Mumbai City in stoppage time, it wasn't enough to change the outcome.

First Half Ends Without Goals

The match began with Mumbai City taking control, dominating possession and initiating plays from the back. In the 9th minute, Wilmar Jordan's cross found Brandon Fernandes, but his shot was saved by Sayad Kadir. Churchill responded quickly, with Vincy Barretto shooting just over the bar after a corner was cleared in the 10th minute.

A free kick awarded to Mumbai City in the 17th minute saw Brandon's delivery deflected and collected by Akash Mishra. In the 20th minute, Bijay Chhetri cleared a lobbed ball from Churchill inside the box. Churchill made a substitution in the 32nd minute, bringing Deny Singh on for Provat Lakra. Wayde Lekay tested the Mumbai goalkeeper with a long-range shot in the 37th minute, but the first half concluded without any goals.

Bora Breaks the Deadlock

After halftime, Gaurav Bora replaced Alexander Yeoule, strengthening Churchill's defense with an all-Indian lineup. The second half commenced with both teams showing intensity, as Churchill sought opportunities while Mumbai City aimed to counterattack. Trijoy Dias substituted for captain Kingslee Fernandes in the 55th minute.

Churchill took the lead just two minutes later when Anil Gaonkar delivered a cross from a short corner, allowing Bora to head the ball into the net, marking the club's first goal in the MG ISL. Shortly after, Wayde Lekay's curling shot struck the crossbar.

Late Goals Secure the Win

In the 62nd minute, Mumbai City made three substitutions, bringing in Farukh, Cirkovic, and Zothanpuia. However, they struggled to create significant chances. Hridaya Jain replaced Valpuia in the 77th minute, and Muhammed Ajsal came on for Wilmar Jordan in the 85th minute. Churchill solidified their lead in the 86th minute when Stendley Fernandes, who had just entered the game, assisted Sebastian Gutierrez for a goal from inside the box, making it 2-0.

Deep into stoppage time, Mumbai City was awarded a penalty after Angu fouled Akash Mishra. Llamas converted the penalty, bringing the score to 2-1, but it was too late for the Islanders to alter the result, allowing Churchill to celebrate a historic victory in their first home match of the ISL.