Zuniga’s late strike leads Churchill Brothers to narrow win over RoundGlass Punjab FC
Clayvin Bernardez Zuniga’s 85th-minute strike handed Hero I-League table toppers Churchill Brothers three points in a 1-0 win over RoundGlass Punjab FC at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal today (January 19, 2021). In a match largely dominated — both in terms of possession and chances created — by the Goan outfit, the Fernando Varela-coached side found the winner late in the game after battering the Punjab defence with constant attacks.
In a frenetic opening to the match, each team was presented with a clear opportunity to take the lead and had both taken their chances, the match would have been locked at one apiece in under ten minutes. In the 4th minute, RoundGlass Punjab were handed a golden opportunity when forward Chencho Gyeltshen burst forward and rounded the onrushing goalkeeper. With the Bhutanese forward’s strike tumbling into the net, Suresh Meetei heroically came to the rescue and cleared the shot off the goalline.
Four minutes later, Luka Majcen was put on through to goal by a delicious cross from the right flank. With only the opposition custodian to beat, Majcen shot way over the bar as RoundGlass Punjab FC survived a scare.
After the amped-up opening of the match, both squads adopted a cautious stance. RoundGlass Punjab FC sat back and defended while the Goan outfit dominated possession and chances. In the 36th minute, Bazie Armand’s shot from outside the box was saved after a quick one-two pass with Zuniga.
In the 39th minute, Bazie was found clear of his marker by a cut-back ball by Clencio Pinto. Armand’s rocket of a shot from inside the box was however met by an even more impressive sliding tackle of Saurabh Bhanwala, making a goal-line clearance, to deny Churchill the lead.
With neither team taking their chances, it was goalless at half-time as both sides went into the tunnel on level pegging.
Churchill Brothers started the second half right where they had left the first — on an attacking note. In the 51st minute, Bryce Miranda cut inside from the right flank into the box and he tried to find the far left corner of the goal but his outside of the boot shot went wide of the goalpost.
For RoundGlass Punjab FC, chances were becoming rare and their midfield looked unable to keep possession. Despite that, Churchill could not open the Punjab outfit’s defences. The Goan side searched desperately for the opener, but chances in front of goal falling to Luka Majcen and Clayvin Bernardez went wide or were saved by Punjab’s Nepalese custodian Kiran Limbu.
In the 73rd minute, Zuniga from a tight angle tried to push his shot into the back of the net but his strike went flying wide of the goal. Churchill tried to breach the opposition citadel but were kept at bay right until the 85th minute when the Red Machines finally got the goal they were looking for.
The Honduran international Zuniga was found inside the box with a deft cross from the right flank and he applied a sublime touch to the ball and released a venomous shot which crashed into the back of the net.
Churchill held onto their one-goal lead till the end of the game to register their second win of the Hero I-League season, taking their points tally to seven in three matches.
CREDITS: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Sporko to organize U-20 Youth Championship in Bandra, Mumbai
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…