HERO I-LEAGUE: Real Kashmir inch closer to top after Aizawl stalemate

by Vineet Varma January 12, 2019

Mualpui, January 11, 2019: Top-spot? That word played on the mind as Real Kashmir played out a stalemate with Aizawl FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Friday.

Though Kashmir are level on points with second-placed Churchill Brothers they still are behind on goal-difference. The Snow Leopards are third in the 12th Hero I-League table (at the time of writing).

Aizawl made three changes to the team as Govin Singh, Paul Ramfangzaua and youngster Lalremsanga played. Lalremsanga made his first start in the I-League in place of the injured Ansumanah Kromah and Lalkhawpuimawia.

Real Kashmir coach David Robertson fielded the playing XI which had won against Mohun Bagan. Aizawl defender Kareem played out of position (in attack) alongside skipper Alfred Jaryan and local boy Paul Ramfangzaua. Despite early promise Aizawl’s attack petered out as striker Remsanga was shut out by the towering Kashmir defenders.

Aizawl had a good chance to score in the first-half but Remsanga’s shot went past the crossbar! Kashmir on the other hand had their own woes as was evident by striker Kofi Tetteh’s predicament. Tetteh failed to score despite rounding goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh in the first-half.

The absence of striker Gnohere Krizo hurt Kashmir who looked inept in front of goal. Full marks to Richard Kassaga who marshaled the Aizawl defence throughout. Come the second-half and as Tetteh dummied a pass to Suchandra, the latter’s powerful shot was blocked by Kassaga.

Kashmir later went on the offensive while Aizawl were defending in their own half. And as Danish Farooq’s curler was acrobatically saved by Gurpreet, the home fans voiced their approval. The home team did make one last attempt to score but the game eventually finished at 0-0.

Aizawl skipper Alfred Kemah Jaryan’s gusty performance earned him the ‘Hero of the Match’ award.

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