Churchill Brothers FC Goa and Aizawl FC played out a battling 1-1 draw in the fifth-round fixture of the Hero I-League 2022-23 at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco da Gama, Goa on Friday (December 2, 2022).

An early first-half goal by Churchill Brothers debutant Kamo Stephane Bayi was cancelled out by Henry Kisekka’s header in the second half as both teams shared the spoils after an intriguing 90 minutes.

Churchill Brothers made their intent clear right from the kick-off as they took the game to Aizawl. Even before the visitors could get settled, the hosts took the lead in the third minute. Lalawmpuia Sailo won a freekick in an attacking position after being fouled by Aizawl’s Eisuke Mohri. The young Churchill midfielder then sent a curling cross into the box for Ponif Vaz at the far post who headed the ball across for Kamo Stephane Bayi to tap into the open net and open the scoring.

Against the run of play, Churchill defender Momo Cisse lost the ball to Henry Kisekka in the 23rd minute. The Ugandan fed it to Dawngliana who took a powerful shot at goal but Churchill custodian Albino Gomes stood equal to it, saving the effort at the expense of a corner. The visitors started piling the pressure on the Churchill defence as they received four back-to-back corners but couldn’t take advantage of the set-piece situations. Defender Emmanuel Makinde went the closest as he hit the side netting in the fourth corner.

Near the half-hour mark, goalscorer Kamo Bayi skillfully dribbled past two Aizawl defenders before laying a pass for captain Kingslee Fernandes. Fernandes then shimmied past his marker to create the necessary space for himself to shoot, however, his effort was well-saved by Aizawl goalkeeper Vikram Singh.