Aizawl FC – What is Mumbai FC’s next opponent all about?

by Kaushal Shukla February 20, 2016

Mumbai FC head to mystic Aizawl with resurgence firmly on their agenda after a disappointing evening in Goa on Sunday. Newly promoted Aizawl FC will be Mumbai FC’s hosts in an early kick off on Saturday in the Mizoram capital.

The I-League debutants have held themselves up well so far and with the backing of their passionate fans, Aizawl FC would look to do more than just preserve their I-League status.

However that bid could face a stern test from a wounded Mumbai FC side who would be seeking a response to wipe out Head Coach Khalid Jamil’s quite open displeasure about their previous performance in the 3-2 loss to Sporting Clube de Goa.

As we build up to the crucial clash with Aizawl FC we take a closer look at our opponents, Aizawl FC.

History

Aizawl FC was formed in 1984 with a view to provide education and training in sports to various minorities in Mizoram. Since then many of the tribal kids from the state have received education and vocational sports training from the Aizawl Sports Academy.

Aizawl FC participated in the 2^nd Division I-League last season where they emerged the champions, to qualify for the I-League this season. Aizawl haven’t had the best of times in the top flight as just one win from seven games spelt the end of Coach Manuel Fraile.

Current League Position – 8^th

Form Guide

Aizawl FC have managed just one win in their last five games in the I-League this season, however that win came against in Aizawl against fellow debutants DSK Shivajians. The Mizoram outfit has lost two and drawn two since then. Their latest outing with north-eastern rivals Shillong Lajong ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that failed to lift them out of the danger zone.

Coach

Sixty-eight year-old Jahar Das is currently in-charge of Aizawl FC after Fraile was given the marching orders. A former Mohun Bagan player, Jahar made his name as a Coach with stints with the Indian U-17 National team and the West Bengal State side. Das was also a manager of Mohun Bagan for the 2005-06 season.

Post a managerial change, Jahar Das seemed to be the perfect man to take over the reins at Aizawl FC, considering his rich experience as a Coach.

Key Players to Watch out for

Former Mumbai FC striker, Alfred Jaryan will be the chief threat to the men in yellow when they face Aizawl. The Liberian though hasn’t been in prime form for the Mizoram outfit, but has shown his goal scoring prowess in the past. Japanese midfielder Yuta Kinowaki’s versatility will come in handy for the hosts as Taisuke Matsugae’s absence could aid the midfielder in bossing proceedings.

Stadium – Rajiv Gandi Stadium, Aizawl

The passionate fans in the stand on one side and the mystic mountains on the other, the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl makes up for an absolute spectacle during Aizawl’s games. Inaugurated in 2010, the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl has played host to the 2012 Northeast Games and has a capacity of 20,000.