Chennai City Soar at Aizawl Thanks to Sandro Double Strike
Aizawl, November 16, 2018 : Chennai City FC extended their lead at the top of the 12th Hero I-League standings, getting their fourth win away at Aizawl’s Rajiv Gandhi stadium, as Sandro Rodriguez’s Double strike in second half ensured that Liberian striker Ansumanah Kromah’s 72nd minute goal for hosts Aizawl FC, was not enough to prevent a second consecutive loss.
The southerns now have 13 points from five games, seven points clear of second placed Quess East Bengal and third placed Churchill Brothers. Aizawl, who won the Hero I-League two seasons ago, find themselves at the bottom of the table with three losses and two draws from their five games so far.
The home coach Gift Raikhan, made whole sale changes to the hometeam’s starting XI on the day, beginning with the goalkeeper where Lalawmpuia came in place of Gurpreet. Paul Ramfangzuava, Albert and Lalrinfella also got starts in place of Bekhtur, Mapuia and Kareem Nurain.
Akbar Nawas, Chennai’s Singaporean coach, was forced to start without his highest goal scorer Pedro Manzi, who was out injured and replaced him with Ameerudeen who has also been on the scoresheet in this year’s league. Pravitto Raju also did not start and Mashoor Shereef came in, in his place.
The hosts began confidently enough and pressed high from get go. In fact, they even created two chances in the first quarter of an hour, but Leonce Dodoz, guilty of many misses on the day, muffed both of them.
Finally Nestor and Sandro, the two Spanish midfielders of Chennai who have impressed one and all with their vision, skill and control so far, combined in the 18thminute and the latter should have done better with the chance he got to shoot at goal, with just the goalkeeper to beat.
In the 20th minute, Chennai’s dependable Spanish defender Roberto Eslava was booked for a tug on Dodoz and Rinfella’s resultant free-kick cluttered the bar after beating Kabir to deny Aizawl the lead.
There was then a second booking in the 24th minute, Valpuia had handled ball inside the box but the referee deemed it to be not intentional with the defender on ground. The Chennai players did not take kindly to the decision and protested resulting in Ajith Kamaraj going into referee Tanmoy Dhar’s books for dissent.
After a goalless first half, Aizawl began on the front foot for a second time and Kromah’s head from close in the 48th minute, saw a reflex save from Kabir, who also had a brilliant game to be awarded the Hero of the Match.
In the very next minute, Duata gave away a needless foul in a dangerous position outside the Aizawl box. He was made to pay as Sandro struck his second brilliant free-kick of the league to beat Lawmpuia all ends and put Chennai in the lead.
Aizawl tried to get back into the game immediately, when Dodoz got at the end of a blunder of a back-pass by the Chennai defense, but he could not beat Kabir from eight yards out.
Gift Raikhan meanwhile kept ringing in the changes in search of an equaliser. He had got in Mapuia in place of Lalrinfela and Rinchena in place of Govin Singh. But it was his third sub Isak who played a role in the goal that finally came Aizawl’s way.
In the 72nd minute, Isak put in a wonderful cross from the right flank, which beat the Chennai defense to land at Dodoz’s feet. The Beninese fumbled and the ball after hitting Kabir fell to Kromah on the rebound, who tapped in for the easiest of goals.
But there is a reason why Chennai are sitting pretty at the top of the table and their Spanish recruit was to deliver again when it mattered most. In the 77thminute, Romario Jesuraj made one of his runs down the right flank and cut inside the box to cross across the face of goal. Sandro on the far left, came up with a classy first time connection, this time with his left foot, to send the ball crashing into the back of the net.
Chennai now go back home to Coimbatore after winning all their three games on the road while Aizawl need to find a way to be less expansive in front of goal, whether home or away.
Aizawl FC – 1 (Kromah 72’) VS Chennai City FC – 2 (Sandro 49’; 77’)
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,…
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…
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…
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…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
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…
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…
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…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
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…
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…