Champs Minerva beat Aizawl to score 1st win
AIZAWL: Defending champions Minerva Punjab rode on their setpiece prowess as they notched their first win in I-league with a 2-1 victory over Aizawl FC here on Saturday. The Punjab outfit took the lead through a corner routine when defender Lancince Toure headed in a delivery from William Opoku. The two players combined again in the 58th minute as Toure scored from another Opoku corner to double the side’s lead.
Aizawl struck back from a Leonce Dodoz penalty in the 84th minute but Minerva held on for the win. With the victory, Minerva have climbed up to fourth place with four points from three games. Aizawl, on the other hand, are second from bottom with just two points from four matches.
KASHMIR HOST NEROCA
SRINAGAR: Having begun their campaign with an away win over reigning champions Minerva and a home draw against Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir will be looking to build on their promising start when they host Imphal’s NEROCA at the TRC Ground here on Sunday.
“It will be a new experience, a new challenge and a tough game. Our players are confident facing a new team all over again,” said Kashmir head coach David Robertson on the eve of the game.
Neroca, meanwhile, have drawn two and lost one of their three games so far, and will be eager for three points. “It’s cold here but that’s not an issue for us. We have to be focused on our game plan,” coach Manuel Retamero said of the conditions in Srinagar.
GOKULAM FACE LAJONG
KOZHIKODE: Winless in three games so far, Gokulam Kerala are aiming for full three points as they prepare to face a young Shillong Lajong side here on Sunday. After a disappointing 2-3 loss here at the hands of Chennai City last Sunday, Gokulam are placed 9th in the 11-team league. Lajong, on the other hand, have lost their last two games after winning their opener against Aizawl. However, the Alison Kharsyntiew-coached side has played an attacking brand of football this season and will be confident of taking the game to Gokulam.