MARGAO
Churchill Brothers FC reignited their I-League title aspirations with a decisive 3-1 victory over Rajasthan United FC at the Raia Sports Complex on Saturday, propelled by a stellar brace from Trijoy Dias.
The win catapulted the Red Machines to the top of the points table, boasting 32 points from 17 matches, with a record of nine wins and eight losses. Rajasthan United remained at 24 points.
For Rajasthan United, Kyrgyzstan midfielder Bektur Amangeldiev was on target.
From the outset, Churchill Brothers dominated the proceedings and asserted their intent with high pressure and disciplined defence. Dias, alongside Colombian Sebastian Gutierrez, drove the team’s offensive efforts with dynamic play and relentless energy.
Dias threatened with his pace and agility on the left flank causing continuous problems for Rajasthan’s defence. He came close to scoring early in the game but an alert Rajasthan United goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri thwarted his attempt. Dias then laid one off for Rafiq Aminu, but the Ghanaian forward failed to connect with the ball properly.
Dias’ persistence finally paid off in the 27th minute. Taking control of a long ball on the left flank, he cut inside, twisting and turning, before firing a right-footed shot into the back of the net.
Buoyed by the goal, Churchill Brothers went on to create more opportunities. Gutierrez skilfully weaved through a maze of Rajasthan United defenders to attempt a powerful right-footed shot, but Thakuri managed to fist the ball away. Dias was once again in action in the 40th minute when he drove a powerful long ranger only to see his shot ricochet off the crosspiece.
Rajasthan United tried to make a comeback in the second half and Alain Oyarzun came close to finding the equaliser but his looping shot was saved by Churchill goalkeeper Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir.
The Red Machines finally extended their lead in the 63rd minute. Gutierrez initiated the move with a clever back pass for Aminu who drew the Rajasthan United defenders towards himself before playing a cutback for Dias. The forward didn’t make a mistake as he calmly slotted past Thakuri to complete his brace.
Rajasthan United reduced the deficit in the 77th minute. Oyarzun delivered a precise cross into the box, where Amangeldiev rose to head home, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. However, Churchill Brothers quickly extinguished any potential comeback. In the 84th minute, Gutierrez launched a counterattack, supplying Fernandes who broke through on the right to seal the victory with a composed finish.
Referee Jehrul Islam issued a yellow card to the Rajasthan United FC team manager during the match.
Churchill Brothers FC team manager Denzil Ferrao expressed immense satisfaction following his team's decisive 3-1 victory over Rajasthan United FC.
"It is truly a great result," Ferrao stated, emphasizing the significance of the win. "We have proven our ability to achieve a positive result with a distinctive victory in today's match. We knew that this match would be challenging, especially against a strong opponent."
"We opened the scoring in a very logical way. However, we experienced some pressure towards the end of the first half. We managed to score the second goal quickly, which completely opened up the match. We capitalized on some mistakes made by the opponents, while maintaining our good style of play."
Concluding his remarks, Ferrao conveyed his high regard for the team's spirit, stating, "I am very satisfied with our team's morale."
