Aizawl: Defending champions Aizawl FC defeated Churchill Brothers 1-0 in their first home match of the ongoing I-League, here on Wednesday.

Yugo Kobayashi scored a late goal in the 88th minute to bring a sigh of relief for the home fans.

William Lalnunfela, who scored a brace for Aizawl against East Bengal, was the notable absentee against Churchill Brothers. Shylo Malsawmtluanga, the most experienced player in the squad again had to sit out, meaning he will have to wait longer to make his debut for Aizawl FC in I-League.

Churchill coach Shevchenko made three changes to his playing XI that faced Mohun Bagan in their previous match. Suraj Singh and Israil Gurung took the field as Karthik Govindswamy and Emuejeraye Precious failed to retain their place in the starting line-up.

The home side did not waste time in carving out their first chance of the match. Centre back Saighani perfectly weighted a through ball which was chased down by Mka to deliver a perfect cross for Ivorian forward Dodoz, but the forward could not convert the golden chance. His header was parried away by Churchill goalkeeper James Kithan.

Just when Churchill thought they deserved a point from the game Kobayashi scored. Having calmly tucked in Dodoz's pass, the shrewd forward slotted it home.