Churchill Brothers continue winless streak, share spoils with Aizawl FC at home

Ravish Narvekar

The Red machines are struggling in the bottom half of the table with just two points from five outings.

It was another frustrating evening for Churchill Brothers FC as they once again failed to secure full points in the I-League 2022-23. A late equalizer by Henry Kisekka helped Aizawal FC to hold the Red machines to a 1-1 draw at Tilak Maidan, Vasco-Goa. Ivoirian forward Bayi Kamo Stephane had given the early lead to Churchill in the 4th minute.

Churchill who were yet to secure their first win in the league had a couple of changes to their side as newly signed Ivoirian forward Kamo found his name in the starting Xi. While their coach Antonio Rueda brought back Lalawmpuia Sailo in the lineup. On the other hand, defender Zodingliana, Japanese midfielder Eisuke Mohri and forward MS Dawngliana were the three changes for the visitors who had lost to RoundGlass Punjab FC in their previous round match.

As expected, Churchill started the match on an attacking note and managed to breach Aizawl’s defence in the very 4th minute as a perfect set-piece from Sailo found Ponif Vaz at the far post who made a diving effort to connect the ball. The diving header easily beat Aizawl’s keeper Vikram Singh where Ivorian forward Kamo made the formality to put the ball in the empty net to put his side into the lead.

The Red Machines who were in the lead for the first time in the season tried to dominate with a possession play in the next few minutes. They also came close to doubling their lead on a couple of occasions but first Kingslee Fernandes was timely intercepted by Aizawl’s defence, while Sailo who had easily cut past a few opponents near the opponents’ box shot over the crossbar.

At the other end, the Visitors came with their first potent attacks of the match in the 18th minute as Lalthanmawia darted on the left flank before curling the ball in the box but Churchill defender Raju Gaikwad clear the danger before the rival forward could make any damage. A few minutes later, they came with another swift attack as this time their forward Dawngliana found himself in the commanding position in the rival’s box but his powerful strike from close was brilliantly blocked by Churchill custodian Albino Gomes at the cost of a corner. The followed-up corner saw Lalthanmawia perfectly delivering the ball to Emmanuel Makinde at the far post but the Nigerian forward saw his header find the side netting.

The host once against came close to extending their lead in the 28th minute as Kingslee made a brilliant footwork to dribble past a few opponents to enter the box but his fierce shot from inside the box was brilliantly blocked by Aizawl keeper Vikram. Five minutes later, they had another golden opportunity to double their lead as Ivorian forward Kamo easily danced past Aizawl’s three defenders but right-back K Lalmalsawma made an important interception in the box to keep his side safe.

Aizawl had two more chances to find the equalizer just before the first half as first, R Ramdinthara nicely curled the ball in the box to Henry Kisekka but the Ugandan forward failed to connect the ball from close with just rival keeper Albino at the stake. A few minutes later, the same duo were involved in another dangerous move from the right flank as Ramdinthara once again came with a pin-point perfect cross to the Ugandan forward in the box but this time also he could not make most of the opportunity as his header went over the frame.

The second session started with an end-to-end affair where Aizawl tried to find the leveller but could not breach Churchill’s strong defence led by Senegalese defender Momo Cisse, and Raju Gaikwad. Whereas, the host tried to inflate their lead with some swift attacks but some aimless strikes from their forward and a brilliant performance from rival keeper Vikram restricted the Red Machines from doubling their lead.

Churchill had the best chance to extend their lead in the 56th minute when Cisse made a long pass to Kamo who covered some ground before going for glory from the top of the box but Aizawl keeper Vikram once again came to rescue his side with a breathtaking diving save.

After wasting a few opportunities, Aizawl finally managed to level the terms in the 75th minute as a fine cross by Zodingliana was smartly headed in by Ugandan forward Henry to make it 1-1 for his side. Energized by an equalizer, Aizawl came with a few more raids on the rivals’ cathedral but brilliant goalkeeping from Albino restricted the visitors from quickly getting the lead.

At the other end, Churchill who were playing with just two foreigners, brought in French forward Abdoulaye Sane and Spaniard forward Tana to sharpen the attack. However, the duo could not mark their presence on the pitch.

In the dying minutes of the match, Aizawl’s Jeremy Laldinpuia should have sealed the three points for his side as he just had to beat Churchill keeper Albino but the medio’s goalbound strike was brilliantly pushed away by the Goan custodian.