MARGAO
Former I-League champions Churchill Brothers FC cruised to a 4-1 victory over five-time champions Dempo Sports Club in a friendly match at the SAG Trinity Ground in Benaulim on Saturday. The Red Machines dominated the game, leading 3-1 at halftime.
Churchill Brothers showcased their attacking strength from the outset, with early efforts on goal, including a powerful shot from close range that went wide. However, they soon made their mark, with Colombian midfielder Sebastián Gutiérrez finishing off a well-timed cross from Gogo to open the scoring.
Building on their early success, Churchill Brothers continued to press. Anil Gaonkar doubled their lead with a powerful strike, putting his team 2-0 up. Gutiérrez then struck again, converting another cross from Gogo to make it 3-0.
Despite being down by three goals, Dempo intensified their efforts, and a header from Mohammed Ali, off a cross from Argentine import Damiao, pulled one back for the Goan side, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
In the second half, Churchill Brothers maintained their momentum. Sangha added a fourth goal, completing a dominant performance for his side.
Although Churchill Brothers were missing key players like Juan Mera and Kurtis Guthrie due to injuries and had rested others, their squad showed plenty of depth. Dempo, on the other hand, fielded three foreign players, including Argentine Damiao, who arrived late and had not been fully integrated into the team due to insufficient training.
In the end, Churchill Brothers’ relentless attacking play ensured a convincing 4-1 victory.
