Friday , March 29 2024

I-League: Clinical Aizawl FC ease past Chennai City FC at home!

After suffering their second defeat of the season at the hands of Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC quickly got back to winning ways as they overcame Chennai City FC 2-0 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium earlier today.

Japanese striker Yugo Kobayashi (26′) and ‘Hero of the Match’ David Lalrinmuana (32′) scored a goal apiece in the first 45 minutes to garner their fourth win of the ongoing I-League season having played seven games.

The champions made four changes from the side that lost to Mohun Bagan as K. Lalthathanga, Leonce Dodoz, Lalramhmunmawia and William Lalnunfela were replaced by Lalrosanga, Yugo Kobayashi, David Lalrinmuana and Albert Zohmingmawia.

Chennai City FC’s head coach V. Soundarajan made only a single change as the French striker Jean Michael Joachim was slotted in the playing XI in place of Murilo Almeida.

Paulo Menezes’ boys proved him right as they started the game on a positive note to press hard on their opponents. Aizawl FC midfield pass-master David Lalrinmuana who was introduced in the playing XI after suffering a minor injury proved vital for the home side as the former captain earned a penalty when he was brought down in the box by the Kyrgyz Republic defender Shumeiko in the 24th minute. Yugo Kobayashi stepped up and he calmly slotted the ball in the back of the net to notch up his third goal of the season.

Chennai City FC, who stunned Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan before holding Shillong Lajong FC to a draw in chilly weather, did little to halt Aizawl FC’s free-flowing game and key player Soosairaj hardly could make any impact on Aizawl FC’s defence.

David again put the sword to Chennai City FC’s heart as he scored Aizawl FC’s second goal in the 32nd minute. David’s shot from just outside the box hit the woodwork after a huge deflection, Chennai City FC goalkeeper Poljanec dived the right way but the ball ricocheted off his arm to the goal.

V. Soundarajan made two substitutions right after the second half began as Shaji Antony and Beautin Antony replaced Shaji and Alexander Jesuraj to balance the play in their favour but the substitutes could not produce any trickery in favour of the away side. David was stretchered off just before the hour mark but Chennai City FC could not master any passes in Aizawl FC’s box.

Vanspaul’s shot from inside the box flew away form keeper Avilash Paul’s goal and Junior’s powerful shot towards the end of the game was parried away by Paul.

To add much woes to the visitors camp, Chennai City FC captain Soosairaj was kept quiet throughout the game by Dinliana and Chennai City FC found it hard to find the net without the influence of their skipper.

Menezes’ boys tried to hurl more in the dying embers of the game but the third goal eluded them finally.

Aizawl FC will now host East Bengal which is touted to be an emotional homecoming for coach Khalid Jamil who steered the Highlanders to lift the silverware last season.

With nine points from 10 games, Chennai City FC have settled the eighth spot on the table whereas Aizawl FC are two places above having garnered four points more with three matches in hand.

About Press Release

Check Also

I-League Round 24 Preview: Inter Kashi have the potential to be a killjoy in Mohammedan Sporting’s party!

Mohammedan Sporting will have one hand on the coveted I-League 2023-24 trophy if they can …