Churchill with players like Steven Dias, Bineesh Balan, Henri Arnaud and Roberto Silva in its quarters, started to put pressure on Lajong from the initial moments of the game. Churchill got a real chance to score in the eight minute of the game when their midfielder Zakeer Mundampara could not convert a neat pass from the left within the box from his striker Henri, as he was tackled by Lajong’s right winger Aibor Khongjee.
Five minutes later Roberto had a good chance to score of a free kick after he was fouled by central defender Zohmingliana Ralte, but his shot was wide off the right corner. Again in the20th minute they got a real chance of scoring when Roberto passed it to the striker Bineesh who in turn set it up for Zakeer, but he could find the target.
Churchill drew the first blood of the match in the 25th minute, when an unmarked Steven Dias’ shot of Roberto’s kick from the left went pass Lajong’s custodian Lalthuamawia Ralte via a deflection off their central defender Aibor.
Three minutes later Churchill doubled the lead after Roberto sped down to the left and passed it to Henri who dribbled past the defenders and put in past the charging Lajong’s custodian Ralte.
Lajong however pulled one back in the 43rd minute of the game when Eugenson Lygdoh’s corner kick was headed in by John Menyongar who outjumped his huge marger Antun Kovacic. The first half ended off on a rather entertaining and drew cheers from the decent crowd that was in attendance at the stadium.
After the change of ends, Churchill kept the pressure on and in the 48th minute got their third goal of the match Dias’ free kick from the right was guided in by a diving header by Bineesh Balan. Seventh minute, Churchill’s striker was sent off after he received second yellow card of the match when he kicked Aibor in the face when both of them were went for ball. The decision was rather too harsh and the Churchill players argued with the referee and demanded to revoke the decision, but no to effect.
Even after going down by one man Churchill did not stop their domination and they finally sealed the match in the 76th minute when Roberto converted a well taken free kick by Zakeer from the right.
Churchill would now face the defending champions Prayag United on Saturday who are looking very formidable and had already beaten the I-League champions Salgaoncar FC.
Churchill’s coach Manuel Coach was very happy with the win and felt his team a very good job. “It is a fantastic win and our counter attacking was excellent. It was good to score so many goals as it kept the crowd interested throughout the match,” added Manuel
Lajong’s coach Pradhyum Reddy admitted that Churchill were the better team of the night and played some well coordinated football. “Lajong played very well and by all means emerged as the better team of the night. Churchill took full advantage of the flaws that were exhibited by our defenders. Churchill scored three goals off set pieces and apart from these goals, on field both the teams were same,” said Reddy.