Churchill Brothers’ Sebastian Gutiérrez (52′, 66′, 78′) netted a hat-trick to propel the Goan club to a dramatic 6-1 victory over an eight-man Shillong Lajong FC in I-League 2024-25 in Goa today.
Twelve different players went into the book today – seven from Churchill Brothers and five from the visiting team. Most damagingly, three Lajong players were sent off – Kenstar Kharshong, Renan Paulino De Souza and Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva.
Lajong coach Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia made just one change to the starting line-up from the win against Gokulam Kerala four days ago, swapping in Hardy Cliff Nongbri for Damaitphang Lyngdoh.
There were two sensational goals, three penalties, an own goal plus the three red cards. Apart from the first penalty, everything else was in the chaotic second half.
SLFC took the lead through Marcos Rudwere (27′), who converted from the spot and the visitors held the lead until the half time break.
However, though they held the lead, it was Churchill Brothers who dominated possession and the relentless pressure told on Lajong in the second half. Early on Kenstar was sent off for a second yellow card offence; he had picked up his first booking just a few minutes from the lemon break. The resulting penalty was converted by the hosts’ Pape Gassama (50′).
Churchill then took the lead with Gutiérrez’s first goal and Lajong were then reduced to nine men with Renan Paulino receiving his marching orders for a second yellow. The disadvantage in numbers weighed heavily on SLFC and Gutiérrez continued his impressive display, adding his second goal. Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar (73′) then conceded an own goal, with a shot coming off the woodwork and back onto his body before crossing the line, and Gutiérrez then completed his hat-trick with a long distance screamer.
A foul by Marcos Rudwere led to the last penalty, converted by Wayde Lekay (90’+3).
Lajong now have a few extra days before their next match, which will be at Rajasthan United FC on march 16.
