Gaurav Bora scores Churchill Brothers’ maiden ISL goal before Sebastian Gutierrez seals a memorable victory, despite Sergio Llamas’ late penalty for Mumbai City FC.

Churchill Brothers SC began their MG Indian Super League (ISL) Season 13 campaign on a winning note, defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 at the Fatorda Stadium. Gaurav Bora opened the scoring with a second-half header to register Churchill Brothers’ first-ever ISL goal, before Sebastian Gutierrez doubled the advantage late in the match. Sergio Llamas converted a stoppage-time penalty for Mumbai City, but the Islanders could not prevent the hosts from securing a memorable victory.

Mumbai City started on the front foot, enjoying possession and attempting to create openings through their attacking players. In the ninth minute, Wilmar Jordan delivered a cross for Brandon Fernandes, whose right-footed attempt was kept out by Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Sayad Kadir.

The hosts responded quickly. After dealing with a Mumbai City corner in the 10th minute, Churchill launched a counterattack through Vincy Barretto. The winger carried the ball forward on the right before sending his effort narrowly over the crossbar.

Mumbai City continued to search for an opening, earning a free kick in the 17th minute following a foul on Jordan. Brandon took the set piece, but the deflected delivery was gathered by Akash Mishra. Three minutes later, Bijay Chhetri intervened inside the Islanders’ penalty area to clear a lobbed ball from Churchill Brothers.

The home side made its first substitution in the 32nd minute, bringing Deny Singh on for Provat Lakra. Churchill grew more adventurous as the half progressed, with Wayde Lekay testing the opposition goalkeeper from distance in the 37th minute. Neither side managed to break the deadlock before half-time, and the teams went into the interval with the score at 0-0.

Gaurav Bora Makes History for Churchill Brothers

Churchill Brothers introduced Gaurav Bora for Alexander Yeoule at the start of the second half, reshaping their defence with an all-Indian backline. Both teams returned with renewed intensity, as Churchill looked to exploit attacking opportunities while Mumbai City sought to threaten on the counter.

The hosts made another change in the 55th minute, with Trijoy Dias replacing captain Kingslee Fernandes. The substitution was followed by a breakthrough just two minutes later.

Churchill Brothers worked a short corner before Anil Gaonkar delivered a cross into the penalty area. Bora timed his run perfectly and headed the ball into the net in the 57th minute, giving the home side the lead and writing a significant chapter in the club’s history with their maiden ISL goal.

The momentum remained with Churchill. Soon after the opener, Lekay unleashed a curling effort from long range that struck the crossbar, coming agonisingly close to extending the advantage.

Mumbai City responded with three substitutions in the 62nd minute. Farukh Choudhary, Cirkovic and Zothanpuia entered the contest as the visitors attempted to regain control and find an equaliser. However, the Islanders struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Churchill continued to manage the game effectively. Hridaya Jain replaced Valpuia in the 77th minute, while Muhammed Ajsal came on for Jordan in the 85th minute as Mumbai City searched for a way back into the contest.

Sebastian Gutierrez Seals the Victory

Churchill Brothers delivered the decisive blow in the 86th minute. Stendley Fernandes, who had replaced Trijoy Dias shortly before the goal, provided the assist for Sebastian Gutierrez. The forward finished from inside the penalty area to double the home side’s lead and put Churchill firmly in control at 2-0.

Mumbai City received a late opportunity to reduce the deficit when Angu fouled Akash Mishra inside the penalty area during stoppage time. The referee awarded a penalty, and Sergio Llamas stepped up to convert in the third minute of added time.

The goal gave the Islanders a late glimmer of hope, but Churchill Brothers held on through the remaining moments to claim all three points.

The 2-1 result marked a landmark occasion for Churchill Brothers, who opened their ISL journey with a victory in front of their home supporters. Bora’s historic header and Gutierrez’s clinical finish proved decisive, ensuring that Llamas’ late penalty was little more than a consolation for Mumbai City FC.