Churchill Brothers Stun Mumbai City FC 2-1 After Just 25 Days of Preparation
Churchill Brothers began their maiden Indian Super League campaign with a 2-1 victory over two-time champions Mumbai City FC. Despite just 25 days of preparation, the Goan club secured a memorable win at Fatorda.
Churchill Brothers made a stunning start to their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign, beating two-time champions Mumbai City FC 2-1 at Fatorda on Sunday. The victory came after a rushed pre-season that gave the Goan club only around 25 days to prepare.
The club faced several challenges before its ISL debut. Foreign recruits arrived late, while visa delays disrupted preparations. Churchill Brothers had to bring together a squad and complete around 37 to 38 training sessions in less than four weeks.
The club entered the competition after acquiring Jamshedpur FC’s operating company from Tata Steel in August for a token Rs 100. The deal included the contracts of 12 players and two coaches.
Mumbai City controlled much of the first half and created better chances. However, Churchill stayed organised and made key adjustments after the break.
Coach Dimitris Dimitriou introduced Gaurav Bora at half-time. In the 57th minute, Bora headed home Anil Gaonkar’s cross to score Churchill Brothers’ first-ever ISL goal.
Wayde Lekay later struck the crossbar before Sebastian Gutierrez doubled the lead in the 86th minute. Stendley Fernandes helped create the goal after coming off the bench.
Mumbai reduced the deficit through Sergio Llamas’ stoppage-time penalty, but Churchill held on for all three points.
The win offers Churchill a strong foundation, although tougher tests lie ahead. They will host defending champions East Bengal FC at Fatorda on October 18.
