I-league

Mumbai FC and Churchill share spoils

by April 9, 2017

MUMBAI: Nothing else but a win would suffice for the club from the maximum city, as they started the day from the bottom of the table. Churchill Brothers, representing the baton from Goa were in the relegation fight themselves and looked to dent in Mumbai FC’s survival chances. But eventually, the match ended in a goalless draw between Mumbai FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa as the relegation is looming large for both of these outfits.

It was the first test for newly appointed Head Coach Oscar Bruzon, and the Spaniard chose to field an attacking lineup with Karan Sawnhey and Victorino Fernandes both making the starting eleven as forwards. A familiar back four comprising Centre backs Djelaluddin Sharityar and Mehrajuddin Wadoo flanked by full backs Munmun Lugun and Reagan Singh looked to keep Churchill at bay.
Alex Willian cleared the pre-match fitness test and he was declared fit to play, joined by midfield compatriots Densill Theobald (Captain), youngster and Mumbaikar Farukh Choudhary, and Lalchhawnkima. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani looked ever present under the woodwork.
The attack-minded setup was replicated by Derrick Pereira who reciprocated in kind with three registered forwards, albeit it was inevitable one of the three would drop back into midfield as a false nine. Captain Anthony Wolfe, their target man was ably supported by Brandon Fernandes and Ghanefo Ansumana.
The tone of the match looked set in the opening minutes as Churchill looked to keep possession and frustrate Mumbai FC. Farukh Choudhary looked to run clear in the fourth minute but was fouled by Chester Paul Lyngdoh who was subsequently booked. The free kick taken by Densill Theobald was cleared.
Just before the half-hour mark, Churchill had a moment when Anthony Wolfe’s solo run was negated by the Mumbai defence for a corner. Mumbai FC produced plenty of build-up play, especially in the midfield which resembled a diamond.
Alex Willian had a freekick attempt in the 35th minute, which was a couple of inches high. The attempt coming just when the game needed some blood. A couple of minutes later, Densill Theobald whipped in a cross, which was headed by Alex Willian onto the post. It was the closest Mumbai FC had come to scoring since a few games.
Churchill came out of the half, looking the more dangerous side as they forced Laxmikant Kattimani to thwart them with some superb saves. Just at the hour’s mark, Churchill almost went one goal up as Ghanefo Kromah struck the post. A minute later, Chester Paul Lyngdoh was denied by Kattimani at point blank range, Mumbai FC hanging on of dear life.
As the clock ticked 70 minutes, there was a hint of desperation about Mumbai FC’s play as they surged forward hurriedly whenever Churchill gave the ball away. Churchill looked content to sit back and absorb all the pressure Mumbai hurled at them.
Exactly 8 minutes later, Mumbai FC put together a move one would be proud of, culminating in Clyde Fernandes’ rocket of shot inches over the post. As normal time ended, and extra time beckoned it looked too late for Mumbai FC to get that vital goal which could save their season. And there it was, hard luck for both the sides in a well-contested game. Both the sides share the spoils in a 0-0 draw.
After this draw, Mumbai FC are still tottering at the bottom of the table with 11 points from 15 outings whereas Churchill Brothers FC Goa have six points clear of them.
Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai's football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje Academy.

Recommended / Trials

Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups

Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…

Share

Trials / Women Football

SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams

SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…

Share

Trials

SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai

SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….

Share

Trials

South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore

South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…

Share
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad.

Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials

Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign

Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…

Share
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform their careers.

India Khelo Football / Trials

India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season

The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…

Share

MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials

Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season

Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…

Share
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024 Season

Trials

VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season

Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…

Share
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

Trials

MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…

Share
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Trials

Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…

Share