I-League: Aizawl FC beat Churchill Brothers to return to top of table

Kamo Bayi Stephen’s brace (7', 46') and a late goal by Laldanmawia Ralte (85') proved enough for Aizawl FC to register a 3-1 win over Churchill Brothers and surge to top of the I-League point table here at Fatorda Stadium on Saturday.

With the win, Aizawl have gained all three points and put more pressure on Mohun Bagan who continue their quest for their second I-League title in three years.

Although Anthony D’Souza (69') pulled one back in the second-half, the highlanders sealed it off in the later stage when the Mizo youngster L’danmawia nailed the final one.

Incidentally, the Red machines handed the Mariners their first defeat at the same venue a few weeks before to halt their unbeaten run in the I-League 2016-17.

Nonetheless, Aizawl FC go atop the table with the magnificent win, at least for another 90 minutes, until the full-time whistle at the Guru Nanak Stadium where Minerva Punjab FC host Mohun Bagan later on Sunday.

Churchill fans could have had an elated opening but Chesterpoul’s header crashed into the woodwork in the third minute.

Aizawl FC drew the first blood early in the seventh minute when the Liberia striker Stephen Kamo Bayi poked it wisely between Naveen Kumar’s legs following a misunderstanding between Meldon and Adil.

Brandon and Meldon combined well from the flanks to build up the attacks which latched onto the Aizawl FC 18-yard box copious times but eventually failed to hit the target.