The Highlanders overcome Churchill Brothers’ attacking pressure with goals from Ethyan Gonzalez and Antonio Moyano to claim all three points and move top of the table.
Kolkata, November 5: NorthEast United FC made their chances count to secure a 2–0 victory over Churchill Brothers in the Indian Super League 2026-27 at the Fatorda Stadium on Thursday evening. Despite spending much of the contest on the back foot and allowing the hosts to dictate possession, the Highlanders showed greater efficiency in front of goal, with Ethyan Gonzalez and Antonio Moyano finding the net at the starting and ending of the contest.
Churchill Brothers had the first opportunity of the evening in the fourth minute when Sebastian Gutierrez tried shot from outside the box, but his effort drifted narrowly wide. NorthEast United responded through Alaaeddine Ajaraie, whose attempt from the right side of the box was comfortably dealt with by Churchill keeper Sayad Kadir in the 11th minute.
The visitors, however, needed little invitation to turn their attacking intent into an advantage. A quick transition caught Churchill’s defence off guard, with Jithin MS providing the final pass for Ethyan Gonzalez. The forward made no mistake, slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner to put NorthEast United ahead in the 16th minute.
The goal gave the Highlanders an early advantage, but Churchill were not short of attacking opportunities. Gutierrez and Vincy Barretto attempted to find a way through, while Ajaraie came close to doubling NorthEast’s lead with a header from the centre of the box following a corner. His effort, however, sailed over the crossbar.
Churchill continued to search for an equaliser after the restart. Barretto once again attempted from distance in the 46th minute, before Sanathoi Meetei saw his effort from inside the box blocked. Gutierrez also forced NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh into action in the 57th minute with a shot from outside the area.
The hosts maintained their pressure as the second half progressed, creating opportunities through Gutierrez and Wayde Lekay. The latter’s attempt from distance in the 73rd minute was saved by Gurmeet, who remained alert to keep NorthEast’s advantage intact. At the other end, Ajaraie missed another opportunity to extend the lead, sending his header wide following Nikola Ninkovic’s cross.
Churchill’s inability to convert their chances eventually proved costly. NorthEast United continued to threaten on the counter and delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. After Sayad Kadir had denied Ninkovic’s long-range attempt in the 90th minute, the visitors launched another quick attack. Abdul Rabeeh set up Antonio Moyano, who finished clinically from inside the box in the 90+3rd minute to seal all three points.
The match statistics showed Churchill Brothers’ greater involvement in the attacking third, with the home side registering 14 attempts compared to NorthEast United’s 7. Churchill also enjoyed maximum possession and managed six shots on target, but Gurmeet’s interventions and NorthEast’s clinical finishing made the difference.
For the Highlanders, it was a result built on defensive discipline and an ability to opportunities and puts them at the top of the table. Churchill Brothers, meanwhile, were left to rue their missed opportunities after failing to turn their territorial advantage into goals which remain them at 9th with three points.
ISL 2026-27 – Churchill Brothers vs NorthEast United FC highlights
Read more about Indian Football
