AIZAWL: Aizawl FC clinched their second victory in the ongoing Hero I-League at their home, thanks to the 2 second-half goals from newest recruit Joel Sunday and H. Lalmuankima within less than 2 minutes and those strikes were enough to secure all three points on Saturday.
Aizawl FC made not less than five changes in their starting lineup. David Lalrinmuana, the Hero of the Match from the North-eastern derby, was the most notable omission from the home team. With a novel setup, they prepared to grab all three points today. Mumbai FC, meanwhile have not won any of their away matches so far in the Hero I-League 2015-16. Mumbai FC also made 4 alterations in their starting lineup.
Captained by Alfred Kemah Jaryan, Aizawl FC showed more authority over the game in the first half. About 10 minutes into the match, H. Lalmuankima nearly converted a cross from Albert Zohmingmawia but the volley went abegging. Towards the end of the first half, H. Lalmuankima's strike missed the net by a whisker.
Five minutes to the breather, Aizawl FC made their first tactical change as Yuta Kinowaki came in with R.Malsawmtluanga making a place for him.
Mumbai FC lost Allan Dias in the 33rd minute when he had to be taken off the pitch due to an injury. Srikanth Ramu came on in his place. Mumbai FC failed to show much strength in their attacks and failed to create clear chances for themselves.
The second half started with Joel Sunday Yinka coming on the pitch at the expense of B. Zoramthanga. The new signing by Aizawl FC made his presence felt on the pitch straightway. Eventually in the 66th minute, he tapped the cross from H. Lalmuankima and broke the deadlock.
Even before Mumbai FC could settle in after the first goal, Aizawl FC found the net again, Lalmuannkima opened his tally in the Hero I-League from a scintillating cross by Albert.
Mumbai FC made another change with Steven Dias making way for Arata Izumi in the 73rd minute. Mumbai FC nearly scored when Sushil Singh made an attack but the ball was blocked by Zothammawia, who made his Hero I-League debut today.
Mumbai FC failed to comeback in the remaining time and their awful run away from their home continues. The scorer of the second goal H. Lalmuankima was declared the Hero of the Match.
At the post match press conference, Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil congratulated the Aizawl FC team, “I give full credit to Aizawl. They played very well and fully deserved the three points.”
Aizawl FC coach, Jahar Das praised his players after the match, "Full credit goes to the players." He did not forget to praise the scorers, "Joel has increased our attacking capacity. H. Lalmuankima also played brilliantly."
Aizawl FC now move up to the 7th position in the Hero I-League table with 8 points. They have 4 points from their last two matches, and will be preparing themselves for the Bengaluru FC test at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Mumbai FC are stranded at the fifth position with 9 points from 8 matches.
