VASCO: Churchill Brothers FC and Mohammedan Sporting Club played to a goalless draw in the I-League 2023-24 match, at Tilak Maidan, on Sunday.
Despite the scarcity of clear chances, the home team came close to securing a win, while Mohammedan salvaged a point in the end.
The initial half unfolded at a measured pace, with the home side dominating early on. However, Mohammedan’s midfield pair, Alexis Gomez and Mirjalol Kasimov, gradually seized control. Gomez’s frequent advances to the edge of the box, where he adeptly cut in, kept the Churchill defense uncertain for much of the first half.
The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock occurred midway through the half when Gomez cut in from the left, unleashing a long-range attempt at the Churchill goal. Nevertheless, the experienced goalkeeper, Subashish Roy Chowdhury, made a crucial save by tipping the ball over.
The inability of both teams to create clear opportunities was evident, with many shots originating from outside the box, and numerous attempts proving futile. The teams combined for 14 shots in the half, with only one, from Mohammedan, finding the target.
The established pattern of play persisted into the second half, with Mohammedan dominating possession but struggling to capitalise in the final third. Churchill, on the other hand, relied mostly on limited opportunities, leading to an increasingly physical game with quick and constant altercations.
In the 56th minute, Gomez’s delivery reached Lalremsanga on the right side of the box. Despite the winger’s commendable effort to wrap his foot around the volley, the shot missed the target.
