I-League: Aizawl FC beats Chennai, climbs to top spot

Brandon Vanlalremdika scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute.

Brandon Vanlalremdika celebrates after scoring for Aizawl.

Aizawl FC beat Chennai City FC 1-0 in the Hero I-league here on Saturday. Brandon Vanlalremdika scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute.

The home side couldn’t capitalise on its superior possession and a flurry of attacking moves in the first half to go one-up.

Naturally, Chennai ‘Keeper Karanjit Singh was put under considerable stress. Jayesh Rane's corner kick was headed to goal by Zohmingliana, but Karanjit managed to punch it over the bar. This, after he had blocked Al Amna's free kick a few minutes into the match, and Alfred Jaryan’s shot in the 12th minute.

For Chennai, Charles de Souza made a threatening surge but was stalled by defender Kingsley Eze.

Early in the second half, R. Laldanmawia’s shot off Al Amna's pass, for Aizawl, hit the woodwork.

Brandon, then, converted an assist from the right by Ivorian forward Kamo to clinch it for Aizawl.

Towards the end, Alfred Jaryan shot from long-range but Karanjit blocked it.

Aizawl FC now leads the table with twenty-three points from eleven matches. Chennai City FC is placed ninth with eight points from eleven matches.

Chennai City FC coach Soundararajan said that playing at high altitude on an artificial turf psoed inconvenience for his players and conceded that his team “did not play well.”

Aizawl FC will host Mumbai FC next on March 4, and Chennai City FC will take on DSK Shivajians at home March 5.

The result: Aizawl FC 1 (Brandon Vanlalremdika 53) bt Chennai City FC 0.