Aizawl fights back to secure point against Mumbai

Aizawl FC bounced back twice to force a 2-2 draw with Mumbai FC in the 10th round of I-league fixtures here at the Cooperage Ground.

Mumbai FC is in fifth place after its fifth draw of the season.

Aizawl FC bounced back twice to force a 2-2 draw with Mumbai FC in the 10th round of I-league fixtures here at the Cooperage Ground.

Albert Zohmingmawia scored for the debutant from the north-east, cancelling a third minute penalty by Ryuki Kozawa. Eric Browne put the home team in front with a direct free-kick, only to see Aizawl draw level again via a lucky goal, a cross from the right into the goalmouth deflecting in off rival defender Syed Nabi for an own-goal.

Mumbai is in fifth place after its fifth draw of the season. Two berths below is Aizawl FC in seventh place.

Aizawl captain David Lalrinmuana came up with a brilliant performance with ball control and passing of a high level. Aizawl came up short on experience when it came to hitting the final pass. The Mumbai defence closed ranks to deny the fleet-footed youngsters the goals they searched all night for at the Cooperage ground.

Ryuki Kozawa, dangerous with the ball and moving forward with pace, was denied a goal when defender Emmanuel found his hand in the ball’s path. The Japanese converted the penalty with ease.

Aizawl drew level when Albert on the right flank cut in, like he had been doing all through the first half, followed up on defensive blocks and placed the ball into the net on the third attempt.

Browne scored from a set-piece, forcing the ball to sneak past the last player in the defensive wall and into the right post off his first direct free-kick attempt.

But in the end, the Mumbai FC custodian was helpless when the ball changed direction off Syed Nabi and rolled in to give the visitor a hard-earned draw.

Scores: Mumbai FC 2 (Ryuki Kozawa penalty, Eric Browne) drew with Aizawl FC 2 (Albert Zohmingmawia, Syed Nabi self-goal).