I-League: Churchill registers thumping win; Delhi, Rajasthan settle for draw

Churchill Brothers FC Goa produced a dominant display to outplay Aizawl FC 6-0 in their I-League 2024-25 clash at the Raia Ground, in Goa, on Sunday. The hosts led 2-0 at half-time.

It was the combination of South African striker Wayde Lekay (3’, 53’ p), and local boy Trijoy Savio Dias (27’, 79’), who broke apart the Aizawl defence. Midfielder Pape Gassama (73’), and substitute Lunminlen Haokip (90+6’) chipped in with a goal each.

This was Aizawl FC’s second defeat on the trot; three days ago they suffered a humiliation at home, losing to Sreenidi Deccan FC 3-4 after leading by three goals at halftime. In the last five matches, Aizawl FC has garnered one point, while losing four and drawing one match.

The Red Machines provisionally move back to the top of the I-League 2024-25 table with 16 points from eight matches, but are closely followed by Inter Kashi, who are on 14 points from a game less.

Aizawl, on the other hand, is on the opposite spectrum; with six points from eight matches, they remain rooted in the danger zone of the points table, a mere point ahead of bottom-placed SC Bengaluru.

Churchill started the onslaught early as Dias barged his way into the Aizawl penalty box in the third minute, only to have his shot blocked. The ball ricochetted off the defender and fell kindly for Lekay to give his side the early lead.

Dias himself turned scorer when his zig-zagging run into the box put him in the perfect position to score at the bottom far corner minutes ahead of the half-hour mark.

Aizawl looked out of sorts, and the hosts, sensing further opportunities, kept pressing forward. Lekay, who was brought down in the Aizawl box after the restart, converted the resulting penalty, resuming the flow of goals in the second half.

Gassama, in a moment of brilliance, worked a perfect give-and-go with Sebastian Gutierrez before making it four. Dias and Lunminlen completed the rout in the dying minutes, taking Churchill Brothers to plus 11 on goal difference.

Delhi FC make a spirited comeback to snatch a point

A 10-man resilient Delhi FC staged a brilliant comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against Rajasthan United FC in a 2024-25 I-League match at the Coach Ali Haasan Stadium on Sunday.

Alain Oyarzun’s penalty gave Rajasthan United the lead in the 70th minute but Nigerian Nelson Esor-Bulunwo Okwa’s late header in the 83rd minute ensured the points were shared. Delhi FC’s Thokchom James Singh was sent off in the 68th minute.

Rajasthan United, who climbed to third in the table with 11 points from eight games, extended their unbeaten run to four matches. Delhi FC sit seventh with nine points from the same number of matches.

The small gap of two points between the teams added an extra layer of tension to the encounter, which was evident as both sides started cautiously, with few chances created in the first half.

Rajasthan United gradually found their rhythm, creating a few opportunities that, due to a lack of finishing precision, remained unconverted. The most notable came in the 15th minute when Gerard Artigas intercepted a loose ball and broke through on goal, only to sky his effort over the crossbar.

The second half mirrored the first in its cautious approach until the match’s complexion changed within two minutes which saw Delhi FC lose their composure. In the 68th minute, James Singh was dismissed after receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Artigas.

This incident seemed to have tipped the scales in Rajasthan United’s favor. Because, shortly thereafter, in the 70th minute, Artigas won a penalty after being pushed from behind by Dawa Tshering.

Oyarzun took the spot kick and, with a well-placed shot that beat goalkeeper Lalmuansanga despite his correct guess, gave Rajasthan United the lead.

Rajasthan United had a chance to double their lead 10 minutes later when Artigas threatened from long range, but Lalmuansanga was equal to the task and made a crucial save.

This save proved vital as Delhi, undeterred by their numerical disadvantage, struck back in the 83rd minute.

Harmanjyot Singh Khabra launched a long ball towards the penalty area, which Samir Binong cleverly flicked on for Okwa, who was perfectly positioned to head the ball into the net and draw level.

The drama intensified in the dying moments of the match when Delhi FC almost snatched a win. Khabra, from a free-kick, delivered a pinpoint cross to Gursimrat Singh Gill at the far post.

Singh, who managed to get free from his marker Seiminmang Manchong, narrowly missed directing his header on target as the match ended 1-1.