I-League 2024-25: Churchill Brothers rout Aizawl FC with thrilling display

Churchill Brothers are at the top of I-League 2024-25 table.

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, January 12, 2025. 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 half time. In the last five matches, Aizawl FC have 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, are at 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 Brothers keep up dominance in I-League

Churchill Brothers 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.

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