Churchill Brothers Triumph Over Mumbai City FC in ISL Opener

In an exciting start to the MG Indian Super League Season 13, Churchill Brothers SC triumphed over Mumbai City FC with a 2-1 victory at Fatorda Stadium. Gaurav Bora and Sebastian Gutierrez scored for Churchill, while Sergio Llamas netted a late penalty for Mumbai. The match showcased intense competition, with both teams creating opportunities. Churchill's historic win marks a significant moment in their ISL journey. Read on for a detailed recap of the match highlights and key moments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 12, 2026, 00:09 IST

Churchill Brothers Secure Victory in ISL Season 13 Debut

New Delhi, October 11: Churchill Brothers SC kicked off their MG Indian Super League Season 13 with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium during their inaugural home match.

Gaurav Bora made history by scoring the club's first-ever goal in the ISL in the 57th minute, followed by Sebastian Gutierrez, who netted a second goal in the 86th minute. Although Sergio Llamas managed to score a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time, it wasn't enough to change the outcome for the Islanders.

Mumbai City started strong, dominating possession and building their play from the back. In the 9th minute, Wilmar Jordan's cross found Brandon Fernandes, whose shot was saved by Sayad Kadir. Churchill responded quickly, with Vincy Barretto shooting just over the bar after clearing a corner from Brandon.

A free kick awarded to Mumbai City in the 17th minute, following a foul on Wilmar Jordan, was delivered by Brandon but was collected by Akash Mishra after a deflection. In the 20th minute, Bijay Chhetri cleared a lobbed delivery 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 ended in a stalemate at 0-0.

At halftime, Gaurav Bora replaced Alexander Yeoule, resulting in an all-Indian defense for Churchill. The second half commenced with both teams displaying high intensity, as Churchill sought opportunities while Mumbai City aimed to counterattack. Trijoy Dias replaced 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 Churchill's first goal in the MG ISL. Shortly after, Wayde Lekay's curling shot hit the crossbar.

Mumbai City made three substitutions in the 62nd minute, with Farukh coming on for Bijay Chhetri, Cirkovic replacing Otormin, and Zothanpuia taking the place of Bawitlung. However, the Islanders struggled to create significant chances after the changes. Hridaya Jain replaced Valpuia in the 77th minute, and Muhammed Ajsal came on for Wilmar Jordan in the 85th.

Churchill solidified their lead in the 86th minute when Stendley Fernandes, who had just entered the game, assisted Sebastian Gutierrez, who scored from inside the box, bringing the score to 2-0.

In the dying moments of the match, Mumbai City was awarded a penalty after Angu fouled Akash Mishra in the box. Llamas converted the penalty, making it 2-1, but the late goal did not prevent Churchill from celebrating a historic victory in their first home game of the ISL.