Defending champions East Bengal beat them 4-0 victory at Fatorda Stadium
Fatorda: Churchill Brothers were handed their first defeat of their maiden Indian Super League campaign, going down 4-0 to defending champions East Bengal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.
The Red Machines were rocked inside two minutes when Dani RamĂrez curled a superb free-kick into the top corner after being fouled just outside the box.
Churchill responded positively and came close to an equaliser in the 17th minute, but Wayde Lekay’s effort from Okoli’s pass struck the post.
The hosts continued to threaten but were punished again just before half-time. Edmund Lalrindika finished from David Hmar’s pass in the 45th minute to give East Bengal a 2-0 lead at the break.
Churchill showed greater intent after the restart, but East Bengal’s organised defence frustrated their attempts to get back into the contest. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill also denied RamĂrez early in the half.
The visitors then finished the game in style. Bipin Singh struck twice in the closing stages, first finding the top corner in the 85th minute before adding another five minutes later to complete a 4-0 victory.
Churchill had their moments, including a late chance for Lekay, but East Bengal’s clinical finishing proved the difference.
