Aizawl stun Bagan, a point away from title
Aizawl FC stunned fancied Mohun Bagan 1-0 in a rainsoaked match on Saturday to lead the points table and go into the final week needing only a draw in their final away game with Shillong Lajong to claim their first I-league title.
For hosts Aizawl FC, defender Zohmingliana Ralte headed the goal from Syrian midfielder Mahmoud al-amna’s 83rd minute corner. The win gave Aizawl FC 36 points, three more than Bagan but the result made the two teams even head-to-head with the Bengal giants having beaten the highlanders 3-2.
Aizawl FC needed to win Saturday’s match 2-0 to win the title, and they missed the chance when defender Lalramchullova failed to pass the ball to an unmarked al-amna close to the Bagan penalty box.
Bagan muffed a chance in the third minute when the British Darryl Duffy, put through by Japanese Katsumi Yusa, got past two Aizawl defenders but not goalkeeper Albino Gomes. Aizawl’s top scorer Kamo Stephane Bayi too had a chance in the eighth minute but shot straight at Mohun Bagan keeper Debjit Majumder.
BEKTUR STARS IN CHURCHILL’S 6-1 WIN
Churchill Brothers secured their safety in the I-league with a comprehensive 6-1 win against 10-man Chennai City FC at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Saturday.
Four goals from Bektur Uulu (22’, 82’, 84’, 90’+3’) set the tone for a big win alongside goals from Ghanefo Kromah (66’) and Brandon Fernandes (90’) as Soosai Raj (54’) pulled one back.
MUMBAI READY FOR SURVIVAL TEST
Hosts Mumbai FC lock horns with Shillong Lajong at the Cooperage football ground, Mumbai, on Sunday.
For Mumbai FC, placed at the bottom with 12 points, the aim is to avoid relegation. Coach Oscar Bruzon said: “We have been working hard during the week and trying to solve problems so hopefully tomorrow is the day we can change things and win the game. Our first target is not to be last in the league so we can avoid the relegation and tomorrow is possibly the last opportunity.”