Aizawl record first win, defeating Minerva Punjab FC at their fortress
AIZAWL: The much-anticipated match between Aizawl FC and Minerva Punjab FC ended with an own goal by Loveday Okechukwu towards the end of the second half. The match remained goalless until 94th minute when Loveday miscued his header to score an own-goal from a scathing long-corner taken by Mahmoud Al-Amna who was eventually bestowed with the Hero of the Match award.
Having earned themselves 1 point each from their previous matches against Kingfisher East Bengal and Chennai City FC, both Aizawl FC and Minerva Punjab FC approached the pitch with cherished desires to walk away with all three points. Nigerian forward Victor Amobi proved his skills once again playing a spectacular game for his side. Aizawl FC defender Lalruatthara also showed his worth making his presence felt and posing to be a threat even in the attacking third.
Aizawl FC looked to be the superior side in the first half but failed to penetrate the Minerva Punjab defence line in spite of a few attacking moves perpetuated by them at the goal mouth. Less than 10 minutes passed after the kickoff, Alfred Jaryan’s shot was saved by away keeper Ravi Kumar. Syrian international Mahmoud Al-Amna challenged the away keeper a few minutes later with a shot close range shot which was blocked by the keeper. Neither side displayed a very invigorating game, nor did both ends see nail-biting goal mouth actions.
Towards the end of the first half, Minerva were awarded a free kick from about 24 yards. Joel Sunday took the free kick which Loveday attempted to convert, but the ball was intercepted by Zohmingliana Ralte. Jayesh Rane’s shot for his new side Aizawl FC hit the goal bar minutes before the first half ended, failing to give the home team a much-desired lead.
The second half began with Aizawl FC pursuing a goal, Nigerian forward Bayi Kamo missed a good chance to give his team a lead when he failed to convert a cross by Lalruatthara just three minutes into the second half. Albert Zohmingmawia, Aizawl FC midfielder missed another clear chance with his shot going wide halfway into the match.
Away keeper Ravi Kumar made a splendid save for his team in the 70th minute when he stopped a shot by Lalruatthara who had received Laldanmawia’s cross from the right flank. Kumar, however, had to be taken out and replaced by Kamaljit Singh with an injury sustained after a collision with Bayi Kamo.
The decisive moment came in the added time when Mahmoud Al-Amna took a corner kick which was headed into their own goal by the lanky Minerva Punjab FC defender Loveday Okechukwu only to have tried to clear it from the onrushing Aizawl FC attackers.
After the match, Aizawl FC coach Khalid Jamil expressed his exuberance at their victory, “We controlled the match right from the beginning, and deserve the three points.”
Minerva Punjab FC Surinder Singh accepted their defeat, “Both victories and defeats are a part of football. My boys worked really hard, and I am proud of their performance.”
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…