Aizawl FC defeat fellow debutants, DSK Shivajians FC, to register their first win in a Top Division match.
Goals by Alfred Jayran and Yuta Kinowaki in the 1st half were enough for the Mizo side to notch up a historic win in Round 3 match of Hero I-League, played at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl.
The match was another sellout and people thronged in large numbers to support the local club. Aizawl FC Coach, Manuel Retamero Fraile, mde 4 changes to the side that played against Bengaluru FC. Injured Goal Keeper Soram Porei was rested and replaced by Mizo GK Zothanmawia. Mizoram Premier League's best player F. Lalrinpuia, Albert Zohmingmawia and Japanese medio, Yuta Kinowaki also found their names in Starting XI.
DSK Shivajians Coach, Derrick Pereira, made only one change and brought in Milan Singh in place of Mohammed Rafi.
The match kicked off with Shivajians trying to dictate the terms. Winger Indrajeet Chowgale created a chance for his team-mate , Aser Dipanda in the fifth minute but the later was late to reach the ball. Minutes later, Aizawl FC's striker Valpuia entered Shivajians box and his strike hitting opposition player Zohmingliana Ralte. AFC players called for penalty claiming the ball hit Ralte's hand but the Referee shot down their appeal.
Aizawl FC's Liberian Striker, Alfred Jayran broke the dead lock in the 18th minute, when he found himself unmarked in opposition's penalty box and when he received the ball, made no mistake and slammed the ball into the net and scoring AFC's first goal in I-League.
The goal scorer created another chance in the 34th minute when he set up Brandon Vanlalremdika but his shot was saved by Subrata Paul.
Japanese mid fielder, Yuta Kinowaki, who was also celebrating his birthday today,doubled the lead for his side with only few minutes to go for half time. David Lalrinmuana's corner kick found Kinowaki, who shot in a powerful shot which dodged the outstretched hands of Subrata Paul to find the back of the net.
Shivajians Coach, Derrick Pereira tried to get his house in order and brought in Mohammed Rafi in place of Indrajeet Chowgale. This move of his failed to improve much for his team as the home team continued to dominate the proceedings in the field.
With game tightly in his hand, Manuel Retamero Fraile substituted both his scorers and and brought in Malsawmtluanga and Lalbiakhlua to fortify the mid field and maintain the clean shit.
The match ended with the scoreline of 2-0 with the host, Aizawl FC register their first win in I-League climbing to 4th place in League table.
Aizawl FC play their next game against Sporting Clube de Goa on 25th January, which again will be a home game. DSK Shivajians on the other hand, will travel to Kolkata, where they play against East Bengal FC.
Picture Courtesy: Indian Football Insights
