By I-League Media

AIZAWL: Today’s match, in spite of it being a weekday match, drew in a big crowd. The home team staged a stunning victory over debutants DSK Shivajians, incidentally their first ever victory in Hero I-League, courtesy two first-half strikes from Alfred Jaryan and birthday boy Yuta Kinowaki. Aizawl FC have lost their first two matches, having conceded 4 goals while DSK Shivajians FC have played just 1 match before.

The match started in a great fashion as Aizawl FC set their foot on gas since the kick-off. Coach Manuel Retamero Fraile showed is right intention to move up the table from the rock-bottom. Best player and top scorer of Mizoram Premier League, F. Lalrinpuia (Valpuia) and Alfred started in the attacking third and they kept DSK defenders busy throughout.

In the 18th minute, Aizawl FC’s Liberian forward Alfred Kemah Jaryan scored with his lethal shot finding the right bottom corner of the net. The goal was assisted by Valpuia who passed his ball to Alfred who was in the box. The goal looked an error on the part of DSK Shivajians defenders but it was still a good finish.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Aizawl FC struck again. Captain David Rinmuana’s corner kick was converted by Japanese midfielder Yuta Kinowaki who had positioned himself in the box. The birthday boy’s goal further secured themselves their three points.

The second half did not see a big change in the game of the two sides. Aizawl FC midfield stood firm and DSK Shivajians forwards failed to penetrate them.

Aizawl FC had 10 shots in total, 6 among them were on target. The Pune outfit kept Aizawl FC defenders and keeper Zothanmawia (T Mawia) quite busy too with their efforts towards the end of the match. DSK keeper Subrata Paul, who appeared today with his protective headgear, stole the show once again with some excellent saves.

With the match ending in Aizawl FC’s favour, they climbed to fourth spot in Hero I-League table with three points from as many matches. Aizawl FC captain David Rinmuana was awarded the Hero of the match today.

DSK Shivajian coach Pereira congratulated Aizawl FC team in the post-match press conference,”Aizawl FC dished out excellent football and they truly deserved to be the winners today.”

Aizawl FC coach Manuel Retamero Fraile sounded elated after the historical win today,” I am very happy for my team, my club and all the people who support us. We showed our potential and we’ll improve our football with time.”