Skipper Lobato inspires TRAU to victory over Aizawl, and Hero I-League survival

TRAU FC 2 (Salam Johnson Singh 13′, Helder Lobato 45+6′ pen)
beat
Aizawl FC 0
TRAU FC ended their six-game winless run with a convincing 2-0 victory against Aizawl FC in the North-East Derby, here at the Kalyani Stadium. First half goals from Salam Johnson Singh and Helder Lobato for TRAU were enough to sweep Aizawl FC aside and rescue TRAU from the relegation battle.
In the opening five minutes of the game, TRAU applied the pressure, trying to unsettle Aizawl who had fielded a side featuring a few new faces. After dealing with initial attacks, Aizawl moved forward with Ramhlunchhunga down the right flank. The winger dribbled past his marker really well before attempting a knuckle shot at goal and forcing Bishorjit Singh to make a save.
TRAU got their noses in front 13 minutes into the game. Krishnananda Singh came sprinting down the left flank, after being played in by a lofted ball from Milan Singh, and cut it back for Salam Johnson Singh, who was completely unmarked in the box. The striker side-footed the ball past the keeper and the defence perfectly to give his side a crucial lead in the derby.
The front three of Aizawl tried linking up to create an opportunity but were let down by a few poor passes and also by the alert TRAU defence. Fernandinho came close to adding another goal for TRAU from a freekick but his effort sailed over the bar.
Just past the half hour mark, Salam Johnson was presented with a glorious opportunity after he set off on a counter attack.The striker beat Melory Laldinsanga and only had the keeper to beat. With the goal at his mercy, Salam Johnson, astonishingly, put it wide.
In first half stoppage time, Robert Primus Jr. seemed to have elbowed Salam Johnson inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and dished a yellow out for Primus Jr. In the sixth minute of first half stoppage time, TRAU skipper Helder Lobato sent Lalmuansanga the wrong way from the spot to give his side a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time.
Familiar faces returned to the Aizawl team as they walked out for the second half. Dipanda Dicka and Willis Plaza were sent on to salvage something from the game. The substitutes did trouble the TRAU defence but ultimately could not penetrate it.
Three minutes from the hour mark, Salam Johnson was stretchered off and replaced by Khanngam Horam. Minutes after coming on, Horam was involved in a quick move and played Krishnananda through on goal. The shot from Krishnananda was saved by Lalmuansanga. There was chaos in the box, seconds later, as Aizawl defenders were scampering to clear the ball after a barrage of attacks from TRAU.
In the final half hour of the game, TRAU were completely dominant. A plethora of attacks were launched as some were wasted by poor finishing while the others were defended well by Aizawl. Chances fell to Horam, Krishnananda, Fernandinho and Joseph Olaleye. Despite that, the scoreline stayed the same.
TRAU ended their six-game winless run that started after their victory over Aizawl in Phase 1. The win takes them level on points with Sudeva and a point behind Aizawl. They are also out of the relegation fight. Meanwhile, Aizawl cannot extend their lead but stay at the top of the table with a one-point advantage.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Odisha Sports defeat PIFA Sports to register 2nd straight win
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Mumbai Super League 2025-26: Tentative Group Draws are Out
The countdown to the much-awaited Mumbai Football Season 2025-26 has officially begun, following the announcement of the tentative group stage draw for the Mumbai Super League. A total of 46…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India ease past Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers
The Indian senior women’s team continued their emphatic run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a commanding 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The raw talent of Priyadharshini Selladurai: From paddy fields of Thiruvarur to Thailand
‘Raw talent’ is how coach Crispin Chettri defines Priyadharshini Selladurai, the Indian women’s national team’s newest goalscorer. As a loose ball landed right in front of her feet just inside…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Crispin Chettri targets improved first-half performances as race to AFC Women’s Asian Cup heats up
Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers has almost turned into a two-horse race after Matchday 3 as India and Thailand are level on six points, with…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…