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NEROCA FC ended Churchill Brothers' unbeaten run in the 2018-19 Hero I-League courtesy of a 2-1 victory at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.
The victory hops NEROCA over Real Kashmir FC and Churchill Brothers to the second position in the points table, picking up 14 points from eight games. On the contrary, Churchill Brothers slipped one position to the third spot with 13 points from eight games.
Also Read: Katsumi Yusa becomes the fastest goalscorer in I-League's history
The hosts couldn't have asked for a better start to the game as Katsumi Yusa smothered the ball past the rival goalkeeper via an acrobatic header in the 13th second. The Goan side did equalize in the 37th minute as Khalid Aucho nodded in Dawda Ceesay's free kick.
It looked as if both the teams would share the honors but, Katsumi Yusa spoiled the plans. The Japanese found the back of the net with another header after connecting Aryn Williams' deadly cross three minutes before regulation time got over.
It wouldn't be preposterous if we say NEROCA FC deserved to win the match. However, Churchill Brothers' futile plans aided them. Here are three reasons why Churchill Brothers lost to NEROCA FC.
#3 Willis Plaza neutralized by Eduardo Ferreira
Willis Plaza entered the match as the I-League's leading goalscorer. The Trinidad & Tobago international had scored seven goals from as many matches, including a hat-trick against Shillong Lajong.
Manuel Fraile knew the danger Willis Plaza possessed and entrusted Eduardo Ferreira to contain him. The Brazilian reposed his faith as he didn't give him any space to breathe.
Churchill Brothers' defenders and midfielders tried to find Willis by their long balls, but Eduardo neutralized the threat each and every time with his headed clearances.
#2 Churchill Brothers' Israel Gurung and Wayne Vaz' injuries allowed NEROCA FC to dominate the left wing
After NEROCA FC broke the deadlock within 13 seconds, confidence oozed on the team. The action was restricted on the Churchill Brothers' half of the pitch as the home sides pushed their bodies forward.
The only attack that was coming through the visitors was from Wayne Vaz and Israel Gurung on the right wing.
The former overlapped brilliantly with the latter to deliver some dangerous crosses in the right wing. Wayne Vaz also checked Subhash Singh and Malemngamba Meitei's run down the left flank who continuously swapped their positions.
However, once the duo got substituted owing to injuries, NEROCA FC flooded in the left wing. Anthony Wolfe and Jovel Martins replaced Israel Gurung and Wayne Vaz, who weren't effective in the attacking and defensive front.
Malemngamba Meitei, in particular, created havoc in the left wing with his low crosses. However, Felix Chidi's profligacy rescued the away side momentarily.
#1 Katsumi Yusa's experience reigns supreme
Katsumi Yusa has been on India since 2011 and represented ONGC, Mohun Bagan, Northeast United, and East Bengal. The Manipuri outfit bought the Japanese because they knew his experience would come handy in vital matches like that of today.
NEROCA needed this victory to move to the second spot and push Churchill Brothers down. If it weren't for Katsumi Yusa's two goals, they could have been on the losing side.
Katsumi's first goal etched his name into the history books as it came in the 13th second itself. He could have restored the lead for his side in the 86th minute had not Khalid Aucho made a goal-line clearance. However, NEROCA FC didn't had to wait long for the moment of joy as a minute later Katsumi Yusa headed in Aryn Williams' cross.
Anthony Wolfe is the only experienced foreigner Churchill Brothers has in their ranks. However, his poor form turned out to be a barrier for the Goan side. The remaining four foreigners- Willis Plaza, Dawda Ceesay, Nenad Novakovic, and Khalid Aucho- embarked their journey in India only in the last season.
An experienced foreigner turned out to be the X-factor in the match. NEROCA had it and Churchill Brothers didn't.
