Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Churchill Brothers SC began their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 in their opening match in Margao on Sunday. Goals from Gaurav Bora and Sebastian Gutierrez secured a historic victory for the Goan club, while Sergio Llamas scored a late consolation for Mumbai City.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Bora rose to meet a cross from Anil Gaonkar following a short corner. His header found the back of the net, giving Churchill Brothers their first ever goal in the ISL and putting them in front.
Churchill continued to look dangerous as the match progressed, eventually doubling their advantage in the 86th minute. Stendley Fernandes, who had come on as a substitute just a minute earlier for Trijoy Dias, provided the assist for Gutierrez. The forward finished from inside the penalty area to give the home side a crucial two goal cushion.
Mumbai City attempted to fight back in the closing stages and earned a penalty deep into stoppage time after Angu fouled Akash Mishra inside the box. Llamas stepped up and converted from the spot in the third minute of added time, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, the Islanders could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
Earlier, Mumbai City had enjoyed greater possession and attempted to establish control through their build up play. In the ninth minute, Wilmar Jordan delivered a cross that found Brandon Fernandes, whose right footed effort was saved by Churchill goalkeeper Sayad Kadir.
Churchill responded quickly, with Vincy Barretto breaking forward after the hosts cleared a Brandon Fernandes corner in the 10th minute. Barretto’s attempt from the right narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
Neither side managed to score before half time, leaving the contest goalless at the break.
Churchill returned with greater attacking intent after the interval and were rewarded with Bora’s breakthrough goal. Their disciplined performance and Gutierrez’s late finish ensured a winning start to their ISL journey, giving the Goan side an early boost in the 2026-27 season.
