Churchill Brothers have tightened their grip on the I-League title race following a captivating 2-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the Raia Ground in Goa on Friday evening. The win pushed Churchill Brothers to the top of the table with 26 points from 13 matches, leaving them two points clear of Namdhari FC, who are set to play against Shillong Lajong on Saturday.
The match saw Churchill's attacking prowess on full display as they dominated Gokulam Kerala, consistently pressuring their defense from the outset. Kingslee Fernandes and Lalremruata Ralte emerged as pivotal figures, with their decisive goals reinforcing the team's title aspirations.
It was Ralte who broke the deadlock early, scoring from a free kick in the 21st minute, which took a deflection off Gokulam's Sergio Llamas, wrong-footing goalkeeper Shibin Raj Kunniyil. This goal set the tone for Churchill's commanding performance, as they kept Gokulam on the back foot, forcing Kunniyil to make several key saves.
Churchill Brothers' attacking momentum continued, with Sebastian Gutierrez and Wayde Lekay leading the charge. Lekay, marvelously creative up front and sharing the league's second top scorer title with nine goals, pressed hard to extend their lead but was unlucky, hitting the woodwork during the first half.
The second goal arrived shortly after the hour mark when Fernandes, expertly assisted by Gutierrez, maneuvered through Gokulam's defense. With brilliant skill, he slotted the ball through Salam Ranjan Singh’s legs, demonstrating precision and poise—traits contributing to Churchill’s reputation as serious title contenders.
Despite their struggles, Gokulam Kerala managed to muster some resistance, with M Soosairaj scoring during stoppage time. His goal arrived too late to change the outcome, marking Gokulam's second consecutive defeat as they remained stalled at sixth place with 19 points.
Shibin Raj Kunniyil, Gokulam's goalkeeper, faced the brunt of Churchill's offensiveness throughout the match. The defeat prompted questions about Gokulam's strategies and their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with only two shots landing on target compared to Churchill's impressive offensive display.
Churchill Brothers now have 26 goals to their name this season, reflecting their attacking style and tactical discipline. With each match, they are solidifying their claim as clear competitors for the league crown.
Looking forward, Churchill Brothers will aim to maintain their momentum as the season progresses, and with Namdhari FC breathing down their necks, every match takes on added significance. On the other hand, Gokulam Kerala will be eager to find their winning form again to climb the table and avoid slipping farther behind.
This encounter emphasized the contrasting paths both teams are currently on, with Churchill Brothers flying high and Gokulam Kerala left to reassess their tactics to reclaim their competitive edge. The season continues, and the race for the I-League title is heating up.
Fans of both teams will be keeping a close eye on the upcoming fixtures as the league's dynamics evolve. One thing is certain: Churchill Brothers' recent form highlights their intentions, and Gokulam Kerala will need to rebound quickly to stay relevant.