Tursunov strikes as Churchill Brothers down Rajasthan United for fifth straight win
Churchill Brothers 2 (Komron Tursunov 23′, Tarif Akhand O.G. 45+3′)
beat
Rajasthan United FC 1 (N. Pritam Singh 68′)
Churchill Brothers opened their Hero I-League Phase 2 account with a hard-fought win over Rajasthan United, here at the Naihati Stadium. Towards the end of the game, Churchill were reduced to ten men but managed to cling on and walked away with all three points.
Rajasthan United started the game on the front foot. A solid start saw them retain possession and move the ball around very easily, pressing Churchill Brothers into their own half. Ten minutes in, midfielder Omar Ramos tested Shilton Paul from range. The keeper was on his toes to keep the ball away from goal. Ramos’ attempt came right after Pedro Manzi’s cross was cleared right in front of goal.
From the left flank, Abhishek Ambekar and Tarif Akhand were putting some decent crosses in but Suresh Meitei was always alert inside the Churchill box to intercept almost all the Rajasthan attacks.
It took them a while, but Churchill finally made their way forward with the ball. Momo Cisse played it forward to Kingslee Fernandes, who played it to Komron Tursunov. Tursunov put it clean through to Gnohere Krizo but the striker could not keep it on target.
Churchill Brothers finally broke the deadlock against the run of play with a goal out of nowhere. After constant Rajasthan United pressure, Churchill swarmed forward on the counter. The ball ultimately found itself at the feet of Tursunov at the edge of the box. The Tajikistani attacker curled the ball past Bhaskar Roy to give Churchill Brothers a surprise lead in a game that had been dominated by Rajasthan United.
A little over ten minutes later, Pedro Manzi headed the ball into the back of the net for Rajasthan United only to see the offside flag go up against him. Moments later, Manzi was desperately appealing for a handball in a crowded Churchill penalty area. The referee was not interested and asked him to play on.
Five minutes from half time, both coaches were warned and asked to calm down by the referee. Tensions were rising in the technical area and a few words were exchanged between the two Spaniards.
Heading into the first half stoppage time, Churchill Brothers doubled their lead. Fernandes entered the box and crossed it towards Tursunov but Akhand got in the way and ended up deflecting the ball into his own net in the final few minutes of the first half.
Fernandes found himself in a good position again, this time on the right side and picked out Krizo, who was facing the goal from a very acute angle. His eventual shot was saved by Roy in the last minute of first half stoppage time.
Four minutes into the second half, Kenneth Ngwoke tried his luck from range but the keeper was able to save it comfortably. At the other end, Momo Cisse denied Alocious after he was picked out brilliantly by Pedro Manzi. Substitute Pritam Singh tried to pick out Alocious but the cross was intercepted and cleared by Meitei at the heart of Churchill’s defence.
Rajasthan United opened their account mid-way through the second half. Biswa Darjee’s venomous strike from distance was saved by Shilton Paul. However, the ball fell right in front of Pritam Singh, who buried the ball in the back of the net to cut the deficit down to one.
Right after the goal, an injury to Momo Cisse added more weight to the concerns of Churchill Brothers.
Bhaskar Roy denied Ngwoke on the counter attack as the game opened up after Rajasthan’s goal. Churchill’s coach Antonio Rueda Fernandes was livid on the touchline and ended up receiving a yellow card. Tensions were high and frustration crept in towards the closing stages of the game as seven minutes were added on.
Quan Gomes, who had come on as a half-time substitute for Churchill Brothers, received his marching orders after two quick yellow cards as Churchill were down to ten in second half stoppage time.
Rajasthan probed forward in the dying minutes but poor finishing from their own players coupled with chaotic defending did not result in another goal.
A hard-earned victory for Churchill Brothers means that they have stretched their winning run to five games. They are now level on points with Roundglass Punjab. Rajasthan United will be concerned now as they only have one win in their last six games.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Tough test for Sirvodem SC against Odisha Sports
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…