TRAU had mixed results in their opening nine games of the season, with four wins and losses each, and a draw. All of their victories have come at home, and they will hope to extend that streak against bottom side Sudeva Delhi
Seven of the last eight I-League seasons have been decided on the final day, and it's no surprise to see a similar pattern evolving this time around too.
With no points from the first seven matches and the threat of relegation increasing with every passing week, Sudeva Delhi FC desperately required a quick turnaround to salvage their I-League season. In mid-December, Japanese head coach Atsushi Nakamura was sacked and in came Sankarlal Chakra
Theko Hriivei Carlos Pao ultimately gave Sudeva the lead with just four minutes of regulation time left. After scoring, Sudeva Delhi looked to run down the clock but was stunned by an equaliser in injury time. Faslurahaman sent a cross into the box, which was beautifully collected by Abiola
The hosts start as favourites by virtue of their 100 per cent win rate at home so far, which includes victories against Sudeva Delhi FC (3-0) and Rajasthan United FC (1-0) in their last two fixtures.
David Castaneda struck at the half-hour mark before adding another two in the second half to net the first hat-trick of this season's I-League. The Colombian striker has now amassed nine goals already in just eight matches.
The hosts have had a poor start to the new campaign, suffering six straight losses and registering zero points to their name. With one-third of the league's fixtures already complete, time is of the essence for Sudeva as they sit six points behind their closest rivals on the points table.
Two second-half goals by Abdoulaye Sane and Lamgoulen Hangshing helped Churchill win two matches in a row to take their points tally to eight from seven outings. Sudeva Delhi FC, on the other hand, are yet to pick up their first point after playing six matches.
Dodi Ndo's second-half strike, followed by a Shijin T brace gave the defending champions their first win in four matches, taking them to third place on the standings. However, for the visitors, the result means a fifth straight loss as they remain rooted to the bottom of the points table
The defending champions return back to their home turf after facing a series of disappointing results since their back-to-back wins at the start of the season.