I-League: Churchill Brothers reclaim top position with a gritty victory over Gokulam Kerala
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Synopsis
Churchill Brothers defeated Gokulam Kerala FC 2-1 in a thrilling I-League match at the Raia Ground, securing their position at the top of the standings with a total of 26 points. Goals from Lalremruata Ralte and Kingslee Fernandes highlighted their dominant performance.
Key Takeaways
- Churchill Brothers maintain top position in I-League.
- Lalremruata Ralte and Kingslee Fernandes scored for the winners.
- Gokulam Kerala faced their second consecutive defeat.
- Churchill Brothers increased their goal tally to 26.
- Gokulam struggled with only two shots on target.
Raia (Goa), Feb 7 (NationPress) Churchill Brothers kept their impressive run in the I-League 2024-25 alive by overcoming Gokulam Kerala FC with a score of 2-1 at the Raia Ground in Goa on Friday. The team secured a narrow lead at halftime.
The match was marked by goals from Lalremruata Ralte and Kingslee Fernandes, further establishing Churchill Brothers’ dominance at the top of the I-League standings, amassing 26 points from 13 matches. They are positioned two points clear of Namdhari FC, who will play their 13th match on Saturday against Shillong Lajong FC.
For Gokulam Kerala, M Soosairaj managed to reduce the deficit in stoppage time.
Churchill Brothers showcased why they are among the league's top-scoring teams this season, increasing their total goals to 26. The match demonstrated their relentless offensive strategy and tactical prowess, as they have achieved eight victories in this campaign.
On the flip side, Gokulam Kerala faced their second consecutive defeat, struggling to find their footing with only two shots on target throughout the match, which mirrored their frustration and left them in sixth place with 19 points.
From the start, Churchill Brothers effectively executed their game plan, employing high pressing and rapid passing to disrupt Gokulam Kerala's formation. Their dynamic play stretched the field, allowing them to penetrate Gokulam's defense with relative ease. Despite numerous attempts that hit the woodwork and some outstanding saves by goalkeeper Shibin Raj Kunniyil, Churchill's dominance was clear.
The breakthrough occurred in the 21st minute. Lalremruata Ralte's free-kick from the edge of the box deflected off Gokulam Kerala midfielder Sergio Llamas, who was part of the wall, and caught Kunniyil off guard as it found the net. This early goal set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Churchill continued to threaten Gokulam Kerala's goal throughout the first half. Notably, Sebastian Gutierrez and Wayde Lekay, the league's joint second top scorer with nine goals, played pivotal roles in generating multiple scoring chances. Gutierrez’s contributions were especially impressive, while Lekay was unlucky to hit the woodwork without capitalizing on a clear opportunity.
The second half mirrored the first, with Churchill Brothers maintaining control and crafting numerous opportunities. Their relentless efforts bore fruit in the 62nd minute when Kingslee Fernandes doubled their lead. After receiving a clever pass from Gutierrez, Fernandes maneuvered and slotted the ball through the legs of Gokulam Kerala defender Salam Ranjan Singh, effectively sealing the victory for his team.
Despite Churchill Brothers' overwhelming control, Gokulam Kerala found a late consolation goal in stoppage time courtesy of M Soosairaj, who brought much-needed energy after coming on as a substitute. His determined strike took a deflection off Nischal Chandan and found the back of the net, providing a slight reprieve for the struggling side. However, the goal came too late to change the outcome.
