Churchill Brothers start ISL campaign with narrow victory over Mumbai City

Churchill Brothers SC made a winning start to their Indian Super League campaign, overcoming Mumbai City FC 2-1 in a closely contested match on Sunday. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Goa-based club, which scored its inaugural ISL goal through Gaurav Bora's 57th-minute header.

Mumbai City dominated possession in the opening stages, with the visitors looking to control the tempo from the outset. Brandon Fernandes tested Churchill's goalkeeper Sayad Kadir in the ninth minute following a Wilmar Jordan cross, but the effort was comfortably saved. Churchill responded with attacking thrust of their own, with Vincy Barretto firing narrowly over the crossbar following a corner clearance in the tenth minute.

The deadlock remained until the second half when Churchill took control. Bora opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a well-timed header, before Sebastian Gutierrez doubled the advantage in the 86th minute to seemingly seal the points. However, Mumbai City mounted a late rally when Sergio Llamas converted from the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage time, though the goal proved insufficient to salvage a result for the Islanders.

The victory provides Churchill Brothers with a solid foundation as they continue their debut ISL season, while Mumbai City will seek to bounce back in subsequent fixtures.