Churchill Brothers marked their Indian Super League debut with a memorable 2-1 victory over former champions Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday, announcing themselves in style in the league's 2026-27 season.
The Goan club, which is playing in the ISL after acquiring the league rights of Jamshedpur FC, took the lead in the 57th minute when Gaurav Bora headed in the club's first-ever ISL goal. Bora, who came on as a half-time substitute, rose to meet Anil Gaonkar's cross after a short corner and powered his header into the net.
Gutierrez doubles the lead
Sebastian Gutierrez doubled Churchill's advantage in the 86th minute, rounding Mumbai City goalkeeper T. P. Rehenesh to score. Mumbai City, coached by Manolo Marquez, pulled one back in the third minute of stoppage time when Sergio Llamas converted from the penalty spot, but it proved too little, too late.
The visitors had taken the early initiative, controlling possession and building from the back, with Brandon Fernandes' ninth-minute effort saved by Sayad Kadir. Churchill grew into the game, with Wayde Lekay's curling long-range effort hitting the crossbar before Bora's breakthrough.
The result gave Churchill Brothers a winning start to their ISL campaign, while Mumbai City were left to rue missed chances in a forgettable opening for Marquez's side.
Sources:
Sportstar
The Tribune
Hindustan Times
The Goan club, which is playing in the ISL after acquiring the league rights of Jamshedpur FC, took the lead in the 57th minute when Gaurav Bora headed in the club's first-ever ISL goal. Bora, who came on as a half-time substitute, rose to meet Anil Gaonkar's cross after a short corner and powered his header into the net.
Gutierrez doubles the lead
Sebastian Gutierrez doubled Churchill's advantage in the 86th minute, rounding Mumbai City goalkeeper T. P. Rehenesh to score. Mumbai City, coached by Manolo Marquez, pulled one back in the third minute of stoppage time when Sergio Llamas converted from the penalty spot, but it proved too little, too late.
The visitors had taken the early initiative, controlling possession and building from the back, with Brandon Fernandes' ninth-minute effort saved by Sayad Kadir. Churchill grew into the game, with Wayde Lekay's curling long-range effort hitting the crossbar before Bora's breakthrough.
The result gave Churchill Brothers a winning start to their ISL campaign, while Mumbai City were left to rue missed chances in a forgettable opening for Marquez's side.
Sources:
Sportstar
The Tribune
Hindustan Times
