AIZAWL: The fully packed Rajiv Gandhi Stadium witnessed an astounding upset as the Hero debutants Aizawl FC clinched a monumental victory against the defending champions Mohun Bagan AC, thanks to the strikes by Joel Sunday and Lalchhawnkima in either half of the match. Cornell Glen drew parity in the first half for the Mariners but it could not avert the Highlanders from registering their biggest victory in the ongoing Hero I-League.
Aizawl FC scored an early goal just three minutes into the match when Joel Sunday curled a pass from Brandon. The Nigerian striker, having collected the ball from Brandon, outfoxed Kingshuk Debnath and slotted it towards the far-end of the net. Debjit Majumder, who is supposed to join the National team in Kochi for the upcoming match against Turkmenistan, threw himself but couldn't save the scintillating effort from Sunday.
Mohun Bagan AC came back strongly in the match when Cornell Glen, having capitalized on an error made by Aizawl FC keeper Lalawmpuia and defender Lalthakima in the 24 minute, tapped it home to shut the 6000-odd Aizawl FC supporters.
Neither side were able to score more goals though both teams had chances at the net. Joel Sunday had another chance at the net just moments after his first goal when Lalchhawnkima's volley came his way. But the Mohun Bagan defenders castled him in with utmost proficiency. The first half ended with a 1-1 scoreline.
Aizawl FC started with much vigour after the lemon break. They were at the top of their game and Mohun Bagan defenders had a torrid time containing the agile Aizawl FC attackers. Finally, Aizawl FC found the elusive goal from the penalty. Aizawl FC defender Lalruatthara tried his luck from inside the box but it was blocked by Dhanachandra Singh with his hand. The referee didn't hesitate to award a penalty in favour of the home team and flashed the yellow for the sturdy defender. Lalchhawnkima converted the penalty calmly to send the crowd into delirium.
Aizawl FC dominated the game in the second half. Captain David Lalrinmuana played a splendid game and led his team with an example. They created a number of chances for themselves and had at least 4 shots on target but Debjit Majumder kept his net brilliantly and defended it with great apt and expertise.
Though Mohun Bagan strove hard for a comeback, their attacking attempts were thwarted by the Aizawl defenders, who had a stupendous game today. While Aizawl FC gathered three significant points to stay afloat in the fray, their captain David Lalrinmuana walked away with his fourth Hero of the Match award in this Hero I-League season.
In the post-match press conference, Shankarlal Chakraborty praised the home team for their swashbuckling display today, "We did not play good football, especially in the second half. Aizawl FC were the better side today and they deserved to get three points."
Aizawl FC coach Jahar Das also came up with all praises for his boys, "Our team plays a good brand of football even when we don't earn points. I expect us to do so even in the coming matches." He didn't forget to praise the supporters of Aizawl FC for their grand support, "This is not just a victory for Aizawl FC. It is a victory for Mizoram."
With three more points, Aizawl FC now have 12 points and they move up the table leapfrogging Shillong Lajong FC, whom they are scheduled to meet on 1st April in the return leg. Mohun Bagan AC, however, are still perched at the top with a three points gap over Bengaluru FC, who have played one match less than the Kolkata giants.
