Cledson converts penalty to cancel CBFC’s Pape’s first half lead
Punjab: Churchill Brothers’ search for a much-needed three points continued to prove elusive as they played out a frustrating 1-1 draw against Namdhari FC in the 2024-25 I-League at the Namdhari Stadium on Monday.
It was the third consecutive game where the Red Machines dropped points from a winning position, allowing their closest rivals to gain ground in the title race.
Pape Gassama fired Churchill into the lead in the 27th minute, but a second-half penalty from Cledson Carvalho Dasilva ensured the spoils were shared. While both teams were desperate for a victory to keep their championship ambitions on track, it was Churchill goalkeeper Sayad Kadir’s heroics that prevented an even bigger setback for the league leaders.
Churchill started on the front foot, dictating the tempo and forcing Namdhari into defensive confusion. Their early control paid off when Gassama broke the deadlock, finishing clinically to put the visitors ahead. However, despite their dominance, Churchill struggled to break down a well-organized Namdhari backline, led by the composed Lamine Moro, who nullified key threats like Wayde Lekay and Sebastian Gutiérrez.
The second half saw a completely different Namdhari side as they turned up the intensity, pushing Churchill deep into their own half.
The pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute, when a strike from Francis Addo hit Churchill defender Lalbiakhlua’s outstretched arm in the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Cledson made no mistake, rifling home his 10th goal of the season to restore parity.
