I-League Media

AIZAWL: The first North-eastern derby of the ongoing Hero I-League ends with a 2-1 scoreline in favour of the home team. Lalruatthara, Jayesh Rane found the target for the home team while Yuta Kinowaki scored from the penalty spot in the later stage of the game to minimise the gap.

Mahmoud Al-Amna was declared the Hero of the Match, adding his second award in as many games.

Five minutes into the match, Aizawl FC defender Lalruatthara tackled Redeem Tlang in the box resulting in a penalty for the away team but Albino Geovanni prepped himself to block the penalty taken by Lajong forward Fabio Pena. Incidentally, Albino Gomes has plied his trade in the I-League before for the likes of Salgoacar and Mumbai City.

In the 31st minute, Lalruatthara found the back of the net sending the crowd into a delirium. Alfred Jaryan, who had positioned himself in front of the net for Lalruatthara’s cross from the left flank made a backheel, which was stopped by Vishal Kaith. Eventually, Lalruatthara’s tapped it home to draw the first blood for his team.

The later half resumed amidst a spectacular show of skills by both sides. Just three minutes into the match, Fabio nearly equalised for his team but his shot failed to find the back of the net.

In the 63rd minute former Mumbai FC midfielder Jayesh Rane scored his first goal for Aizawl FC. Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al-Amna outran fellow defenders dribbling the ball in the left flank and had his cross converted by Rane.

Aizawl FC were penalized once again when Kingsley Eze fouled former Aizawl FC player Yuta Kinowaki who took the penalty and scored the first Shillong Lajong FC goal of the season in the 83rd minute.

Shillong Lajong FC pushed to draw the match but Aizawl FC defenders kept their vigil on the Lajong attackers to get away with all three points finally.

Aizawl FC now climb to the top of the table with 7 points from 3 matches, while Shillong Lajong FC continue their quest for opening their account.