Staff Reporter
Raia
Colombia’s Sebastian Gutierrez emerged as the hero as he netted a hat-trick to propel Churchill Brothers to a dramatic 6-1 victory over an 8-man Shillong Lajong FC in the 2024-25 I-League at the Raia Ground on Friday.
This encounter was a spectacle filled with drama, including two sensational goals, three penalties, an own goal, and three red cards, all unfolding in a chaotic second half.
Churchill Brothers’ triumph not only featured Gutierrez’s remarkable performance but also saw Pape Gassama and Wayde Lekay converting penalties. Marcos Rudwere of Lajong, who himself scored from the spot and was later sent off, contributed to a match that shifted dramatically after Lajong took an early lead.
The win also allowed Churchill Brothers to overtake Inter Kashi at the top. Despite both sides having an identical 34 points after 18 games, Churchill Brothers lead due to a superior head-to-head record, intensifying the title race with only four matches remaining. Lajong’s promising start unraveled in the second half. Kharshong’s red card for a goal-line handball in the 50th minute allowed Gassama to level from the spot. Two minutes later, Gutiérrez dribbled past two defenders to make it 2-1. Renan Paulino’s second yellow further crippled Lajong before the Colombian struck again in the 66th minute. Sarkar’s own goal compounded their misery before Gutiérrez completed his hat-trick with a stunning long-range effort. Lekay sealed the rout with a stoppage-time penalty.
