I-League: Aizawl FC overcomes Churchill at ease

Lalramchullova (62′), Kamo (69′) found the net in the second half to bring Aizawl back in its title hunt after trailing 1-0 till half time and finally Nongkhlaw (77′) scored an own-goal much to the Red Machines’ dismay.

Published : Feb 10, 2017 20:55 IST

The man-of-the-Match went to the Aizawl defender Kingsley Obumneme.
The man-of-the-Match went to the Aizawl defender Kingsley Obumneme.
lightbox-info

The man-of-the-Match went to the Aizawl defender Kingsley Obumneme.

Aizawl F.C. triumphed over Churchill Brothers F.C. Goa at its home turf Rajiv Gandhi Stadium by an unassailable margin of 3-1. While Kromah (33′) put the visitors ahead in the first half, Lalramchullova (62′), Kamo (69′) found the net in the second half to bring Aizawl back in its title hunt and finally Nongkhlaw (77′) scored an own-goal much to the Red Machines’ dismay.

Aizawl had suffered a 3-2 away defeat to Mohun Bagan in its last match and was desperately looking to bounce back in this match. Aizawl came out without its defender Lalruatthara who has been booked 4 times already in the league.

However, the home side was boosted to have Mahmoud Al-Amna return for the game after a break, owing to an injury. In the 32nd minute, Wolfe was fouled by Zohmingliana inside the box. The away team was awarded a penalty and it was beautifully converted by Ansumana Kromah to put the Red Machines in an advantageous position.

A few minutes later, Chullova took a free kick from the centre of the pitch, which was headed by Jayesh Rane towards the box. Churchill Brothers defenders managed to clear the attack before Aizawl boys could move in.

The first half ended in a favourable position for the away team, thanks to the solitary goal scored by Kromah from the penalty spot. Though Aizawl consistently maintained its possession of the ball, it couldn’t convert the chances whichever it could create in.

The second half started with Albino’s skills as a keeper being tested when Churchill winger Gabriel Fernandes kicked the ball straight towards him. Alfred Jaryan, in the 55th minute, made a spectacular shot from outside the box but it flew over the bar.

Aizawl's comeback in the match

In the 62nd minute, an opportunity loomed large for the home team as it was awarded a penalty. Lalramchullova took the penalty and brought a parity on the scoresheet.

Aizawl continued to attack and thrilled the home fans yet again in the 68th minute. Jayesh Rane’s pass was received by Kamo Stephane Bayi who defeated Meldon D’Silva in a one-on-one position and went on to tap it home.

Churchill Brothers made an error ten minutes later which reaffirmed its defeat when Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw scored an own goal in his attempt to clear the ball in the 76th minute.

The Hero-of-the-Match went to the Aizawl defender Kingsley Obumneme, with this win, Aizawl reaches to 16 in points tally, at par with Mohun Bagan, playing one match extra.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment