I-League champions Aizawl FC and current Mizoram Premier League champions Chanmari FC engaged in a gruelling battle today for a final spot in the Great Sports Independence Day Football Tournament.
The MPL champions rallied themselves very well to come from behind most of the match and come out winners with a 2-1 victory after extra-time.
Aizawl FC began on a positive note and after some back and forth action they took the lead when Rochharzela was the quickest to react after Chanmari FC keeper Muanawma had failed to safely collect his shot.
Muanzuala and Muanzova tried in vain to find an equaliser for Chanmari FC while Lalmuankima and David Lalrinmuana also came close for Aizawl FC.
The I-League champions again came out on top in the early stages of the second half and could have scored through Rinzuala, David Rinmuana and Liberian midfielder Alfred – they struck the woodwork twice.
Mizo foootball legend S. Malsawmtluanga was making his debut for Aizawl FC late in the second half, but his lack of match fitness could not make him the player he used to be.
Chanmari FC shook things up later in the second half with Thasiama and Zohera entering the fray, and the move paid dividends when Thomas Lalengkima scored their equaliser four minutes into stoppage time from a keeping – Aizawl FC goalkeeper could have done better.
And it was Chanmari FC who carried the momentum in extra time and they got their winner on the 103rd minute. Substitute Thasiama got on the end and applied the finishing touches on a corner delivered by Thomas Lalengkima.
02:30 PM Aizawl FC 1-2 Chanmari FC
(Rochharzela 17′) (Thomas Lalengkima 90-4′, Thasiama 103′)
Aizawl FC XI: Lalawmpuia, Lalrinzuala Khiangte, Ramdinsanga, Lalrozama Fanai, Lalramhmunmawia, Alfred Kemah Jaryan, David Lalrinmuana, K Lalthathanga, H Lalmuankima, Jonathan Lalrawngbawla, Rochharzela.
Chanmari FC XI: F Lalmuanawma, Lalrosanga, C Lalmuanawma, David Lalchhuanawma, Thomas Lalengkima, Rochhingpuia, Lalmuanzuala, Vanlalbiaa, Lalmuanzova, PC Zosanga, Joseph Lalnunpuia.
August 11, Friday Semifinal Fixtures
02:30 PM Chhinga Veng FC vs Bethlehem Vengthlang FC
