Churchill smack four to register impressive win against Aizawl

Goa, December 9, 2018: Goan powerhouse Churchill Brothers FC Goa not only maintained their unbeaten record but also got within sniffing distance of table toppers Chennai City FC with an impressive 4-1 victory over former champions Aizawl FC at home on Sunday.
At Vasco Da Gama’s Tilak Maidan, the two-time former champions scored through Khalid Aucho, Israel Gurung, Anthony Wolfe and Willis Plaza while Aizawl’s only goal came from Liberian striker Ansumanah Kromah. Churchill went into the half-time break two goals ahead while the rest of game’s five goals came in the second half.
With their third win of the league campaign, Churchill have now moved to the second spot with 13 points from seven games. Chennai are four ahead having played the same number of completed games. Aizawl remain stranded on the ninth position with five points from eight games.
As far as the starting eleven went, the hosts fielded an unchanged side from their previous game against Gokulam Kerala, but Aizawl coach Gift Raikhan made as many as four from the eleven which started against Real Kashmir five days back. Kyrgystani Bektur Talgat got a start and so did Mapuia and Duata. Rinfela, David and Hmingthan Mawia were the players replaced.
The home team lost key defender Hussein Eldor early in the game through injury and had to be replaced by Shillum Peres who got a first game in the season. Even then, they were all over the former champions in the first half.
Right winger Israil Gurung in particular, adjudged Hero of the Match later, had a brilliant half claiming an assist for the first goal by Aucho, besides scoring the second and in general made Aizawl left back Lalram’s life miserable down that right flank.
So did Gambian Dawda Cessay on the left flank for Churchill and the hosts not only dominated possession by a mile but also had five shots at the Aizawl goal to none for the visitors.
Red Machines took the lead in the 23rd minute courtesy a stinging volley from Ugandan Khalid Aucho. Gurung delivered a wonderful free-kick from just inside the Aizawl half on the right. The delivery drew Aizawl goalie Gurpreet out of his line and with league top scorer Willis Plaza also looking to pounce, the ball bisected both of them and fell for Aucho, whose powerful first-time-angled volley, bulged the Aizwal side-netting on the far side.
Gurung then claimed his second goal of the 12th Hero I-League campaign just a minute later when he headed home from a perfectly delivered Cessay cross from the left flank. Churchill was on a role by then.
Churchill could have had more as Willis Plaza missed two clear chances, one in the 37th minute when he hit the Aizawl left upright and then off another great Israel Gurung cross from the right flank, shot straight to Gurpreet from close in the 80th minute.
In the second half, Raikhan showed urgency and effected a couple of changes at the onset bringing in David and Rinfela.
It did pay off temporarily as Aizawl got one back in the 54th minute through Kromah who netted his third of the campaign. Mapuia got a free-run at the Churchill defence and put in a perfectly weighted cross for Kromah rushing inside the box on the left. The Liberian made no mistake and slotted it in past James Kithan in the Churchill goal.
A minute later, Mapuia could have helped Aizawl draw level as his flying header to a Lalram cross from the left hit the bar and came back.
Churchill’s Romanian coach Petra Gigiu then made an inspired substitution, bringing in Trinidadian Anthony Wolfe to replace Lamgoulen Hangshing in the 60th minute.
A minute later, Cessay found him inside the box from one of his trademark crosses and Wolfe, with his first touch of league, shook off two Aizawl defenders, with his second and third and with deft body swivels, fended off two more and with his fourth, stabbed the ball into the Aizawl net past Gurpreet.
Wolfe’s Trinidadian mate Plaza was also not to be denied on the day as defender Wayne Vaz’s attempted cross caught Liberian Alfred Jaryan’s arm inside the Aizawl box and referee Palmson Moses Raj had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Plaza scored for his seventh goal of the campaign, although Gurpreet called correctly and almost thwarted him.
Plaza, in fact, missed at least three more clear chances to score, but in the end, it was a job well done for Gigiu’s side who now look serious contenders for the title.
by Aiff media
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Football News / Indian Super League
Reebok Returns to Football with John Abraham’s NorthEast United FC
Kicking off a powerful new chapter in Indian football, Reebok, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, has announced a strategic partnership with NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC). Owned…
Durand Cup returns to Imphal with a grand trophy tour
Imphal welcomed the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies with a grand trophy tour as Asia’s oldest football tournament returned to Manipur’s capital after a two-year hiatus. The three trophies of the…
India U20 women’s coach Joakim Alexandersson names 24-member travelling squad for Uzbekistan friendlies
The Indian U20 women’s team will play two friendly matches in Tashkent against Uzbekistan U20 women on July 13 and 16, 2025, as part of their preparations for the AFC…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…