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Playing their second game in less than 48 hours, it was a bittersweet homecoming for DSK Shivajians, who played their first game at the Balewadi Stadium after 5 consecutive Away games. Laldanmawia Ralte scored the only goal of the game on the 85th minute, keeping Aizawl FC in the hunt for the title.
Much like the first leg fixture in Aizawl, the match started off on a fairly even keel with both team looking to dominate proceedings. What this jostle resulted in was, however, both sides cancelling each other out altogether. With Aizawl, who have proved the surprise package of the league, edging the initiative in the opening exchanges, the DSK Shivajians, revitalised by the return of Sasha Kolunija stood firm. It was the ninth minute where Albino Gomes was first tested, with a brilliant shot along with consecutive corners.
With both sides playing defensive high lines, a quick counter on the 21st minute saw Nirmal Chettri split Aizawl’s defence to find Seityasen, who made a decisive move on goal only to blast it over the bar. Paite and Lalrinzuala, two Mizoram born U-22 players also came close to breaking the deadlock, but were also unable to find the back of the net. A great shot from Seityasen right before the Half Time Whistle once again brought Gomes into play, but it was for naught as the teams went in even at the break.
While chances were few and far between in the First Half, the story could not have been more different come the 2nd 45 minutes. DSK Shivajians stuck to their strategy of attacking down the flanks, with speedy aerial balls pumped in into the box looking to find Halicharan Narzary who filled in for Kim Song-Yong who out injured. With many near misses, the match transformed into something of a basketball game, with end to end action seeing both teams giving it a go.
The breakthrough came in the 84th minute for Aizawl FC as Laldanmawia Ralte tapped in Lalmuankima’s cross to penetrate DSK Shivajians’ defence. The response from DSK Shivajians was, immediate, as a low cross was almost tapped into the back of the net by Lallianzuala Chhangte who stretched to reach the ball. Shane McFaul, who scored the equaliser in the last game again tried to redeem the DSK Shivajians performance but his low shot was saved by Gomes who produced one of his best ever performances in an Aizawl shirt. While Lallianzuala’s second attempt in two minutes was also saved by in-form Albino, Mawihmingthanga’s shot in the final minute of added time was also blocked on the line. Aizawl FC’s policy of putting their body on the line reaped rewards, as they walked away with three points, giving DSK Shivajians nothing to show for an excellent performance.
“Unfortunately, we can’t score goals at the minute. We’re creating so many chances, chances to win games but we’re just lacking the killer instinct in front of goal. I’m behind my players and stand by them in saying I’m proud of them because we’ve outplayed potential league champions. It’s tough to take, and I’m devastated for the boys, but that’s football and I’m looking forward to our game on Saturday,” said First Team Manager Dave Rogers speaking on the game.
DSK Shivajians FC currently sit seventh in the I-League with 11 points from 13 games. The team will next play the Maha Derby against Mumbai FC in Pune on March 11.
