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Hmangaihkima’s late goal cancelled out Mohammed Asif’s first-half opener as Aizawl FC drew 1-1 with Inter Kashi at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Thursday, December 21.
The result meant that the hosts head into the new year on a seven-game unbeaten streak, placed fourth in the I-League table with 19 points from 11 games. The draw not only cost Inter Kashi two points, but also potentially a direct place in the Kalinga Super Cup group stage as they are now confirmed to play Rajasthan United FC in the qualifying play-off in Bhubaneswar on January 8.
Expectedly, Aizawl started with confidence on their home turf, knocking the ball around neatly amidst the sound of drums from their passionate fans in the stands. The Reds could have and should have taken the lead in the 16th minute when a slick passing move between Rinzuala, Tharpuia and Amawia led to a first-time shot from the latter from close range, which was well saved by Arindam Bhattacharja in the Inter Kashi goal.
The home trio maintained their good chemistry in the final third, but were somehow unable to transform that into a goal. Both Tharpuia and Amawia saw their shots go wide of the target in quick succession, and the misses proved costly when Mohammed Asif converted on the other end for the visitors a couple of minutes before half-time.
But the goal was created by Mario Barco alone, and out of nothing. The Spaniard, who assisted both of Inter Kashi’s goals in their 2-0 win over Delhi last time out, drove a low right-footed effort from a narrow angle which eluded Aizawl goalkeeper Nora Fernandes and hit the far post. The ball generously fell straight into the path of Asif, and the 22-year-old made no mistake in tapping it into the open net for his second goal in as many games.
Hungry for the equaliser, Aizawl pressed deeper and deeper as the second half progressed. But despite committing numbers forward, the hosts failed to test Arindam’s gloves. Just past the hour mark, captain Joe Zoherliana headed Hmangaihkima’s whipped free-kick inches wide of the post.
Inter Kashi had chances to add to their lead and put the game to bed, but Nora was on hand to deny them on each occasion. The Aizawl custodian stopped three of Barco’s efforts, first from point-blank range, then from outside the box and lastly from a one-on-one situation in the 83rd minute which seemed like a sure goal. Sent clean through on goal from the half-way line, Barco raced towards the box with just Nora to beat but could only find his right palm. And that ultimately came back to haunt them.
The final few minutes saw the visitors have all their 11 men stationed behind the ball in the hopes of preserving the narrow lead, but that could not stop an Aizawl side which had scored nine goals in the last three games. The equaliser came from the left foot of substitute Hmangaihkima as he thumped the ball into the roof of the net after Anil Chawan’s weak clearance from Lalbiakdika’s shot fell into his path.
