The visitors controlled proceedings from the outset, enjoying the majority of possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Despite their dominance, Aizawl FC remained disciplined at the back in the first half, limiting clear chances and keeping Diamond Harbour’s attacking threats in check.

Aizawl gradually grew into the game towards the end of the first half, creating a few half-chances of their own, but neither side could break the deadlock before the interval.

The breakthrough came soon after the restart in the 47th minute. A defensive lapse from Aizawl allowed Moyano to capitalise, as he collected the loose ball and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to give Diamond Harbour the lead.

The hosts tried to respond and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but struggled to create clear opportunities against a well-organised defence.

Diamond Harbour sealed the win in the 77th minute with a well-worked move. Bryce Miranda made an excellent run past multiple defenders before setting up Moyano, who finished into an empty net to complete his brace and double the advantage.

The visitors maintained control in the closing stages, comfortably seeing out the game despite a lengthy period of added time. Aizawl failed to pose any real threat late on as Diamond Harbour secured a dominant away victory and continued their strong momentum.

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Real Kashmir made a strong start and took the lead in the 14th minute. Shedrack Charles capitalised on a mistake from the Aizawl goalkeeper and finished from close range to put the visitors ahead.

Aizawl gradually settled into the game and began controlling possession. Their efforts paid off just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Zomuansanga stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 42nd minute to bring the hosts level.

Both teams continued to push for a winner in the second half as the match remained evenly balanced. Real Kashmir regained the lead in the 75th minute when Ahteeb Ahmad Dar rose highest to meet a delivery and powered a header into the top corner.

Despite falling behind again, Aizawl kept pressing forward in search of another equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in stoppage time when Lalhriatpuia connected with a cross from Lalrempuia and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

The late goal ensured the hosts secured a hard-earned point in a closely contested encounter, while Real Kashmir had to settle for a share of the spoils despite taking the lead twice.

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The home side started the match confidently and made their early pressure count in the 12th minute. Vincent Lalduhawma delivered a precise cross from the flank into the penalty area where Zomuasanga rose above the defenders and powered a header into the net to give Aizawl the lead.

Rajasthan United gradually settled into the game and managed to find an equaliser in the 32nd minute through a set-piece situation. A long throw-in into the box created confusion in the Aizawl defence and the ball fell to Pedro Astray, whose effort deflected into the net to level the score at 1-1.

Both teams looked lively heading into the break, but clear chances remained limited as the first half ended with the scores level.

Rajasthan began the second half with more possession, trying to build pressure in the attacking half. However, Aizawl remained organised at the back and continued to threaten through quick counter-attacks.

The hosts regained the lead in the 69th minute with a well-constructed move. After winning possession near the edge of the box, the ball was worked out wide before a curling cross found Vincent Lalduhawma arriving inside the area. The forward rose well to head the ball past the goalkeeper and restore Aizawl’s advantage.

Rajasthan attempted to push forward in search of another equaliser, introducing fresh players to increase their attacking intensity. Despite their efforts, Aizawl maintained their defensive discipline and limited the visitors to speculative attempts.

The match was finally sealed in stoppage time when substitute Lalhriatpuia produced a moment of brilliance. The striker unleashed a powerful long-range strike from around 30 yards that flew into the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and confirming a memorable 3-1 victory for the hosts.

Aizawl FC’s composed performance at both ends of the pitch ensured they secured all three points and celebrated their first win of the campaign in front of their home supporters.

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Aizawl FC return to their home ground after beginning their campaign with a 1-1 draw away against Namdhari SA. The former 2016-17 champions showed a clear tactical approach in that match, with head coach Lalruatfela setting up a midfield-heavy system and deploying Zomuansanga as the lone striker. However, defensive lapses late in the game allowed Namdhari to score an injury-time equaliser.

Ahead of the home fixture, Lalruatfela emphasised the team’s preparations during the week, highlighting improvements in teamwork, discipline, finishing, and set-piece routines. He also spoke about the significance of playing in front of the passionate Mizoram supporters, noting that the energy from the home crowd provides additional motivation for the team.

Captain Lalhriatpuia echoed the coach’s confidence, stating that the squad has worked hard in training and feels both physically and mentally prepared to deliver a strong performance in front of their fans.

Rajasthan United FC arrive in Aizawl with a similar start to their campaign, having also secured a 1-1 draw in their opening match against Shillong Lajong FC. In that game, the Jaipur-based side showed resilience after conceding early. Abhishek Ambekar eventually rescued a point with a composed finish in the second half following a scramble inside the penalty area.

Assistant coach Vikas Rawat expressed optimism about the team’s progress since the opening match, noting that the players have taken valuable lessons from the first game and are focused on executing their plans more effectively in the upcoming fixture.

Rajasthan captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri also outlined the team’s approach, stating that they aim to play possession-based attacking football while pushing for all three points.

The visitors will take confidence from their historical record against Aizawl FC. In seven previous league meetings between the two sides, Rajasthan United have won three matches compared to Aizawl’s one, while three encounters have ended in draws. Rajasthan also hold a slight edge in the overall goal tally between the two teams.

With both sides sitting on a single point early in the season, the encounter promises to be an intense contest. Aizawl FC will look to make a strong impression in their first home match of the campaign, while Rajasthan United will aim to continue their positive record against the hosts and secure their first win of the season.

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In this overview, we will try to showcase the already known gems in the Hero I-League and try to unearth some hidden ones as well. Today, we begin with the new players of Mizoram-based side Aizawl FC, one of the hotbeds for young Indian players where they can nurture their skills.

Transfers –

Jones Lalthakima: A talented young defender who was born in Mizoram, this will be like a homecoming for Lalthakima. Jones started his career with the Odisha FC youth teams, and has been brought in to add energy to the team on and off the pitch. He has also shown a lot of leadership skills throughout his young career, captaining the youth sides of his former team.

Samuel Lalmuanpuia: Another player who has come in from Odisha FC, Lalmuanpuia is an experienced and versatile midfielder. He can play across the frontline and in the number 10 role as well. Samuel has been brought in to provide the creative spark in the final third and with the experience that he possesses playing for so many top clubs, Aizawl FC will be counting on the right-footed centre-forward.

Jakob Lalhlimpuia: A big and pacy winger, Lalhimpuia has a lot of experience in Indian football when it comes to providing fire power to the men up front.

Nikhil Mali: The third player in this list to join Aizawl from Delhi FC, Nikhil Mali is probably the most exciting one for Indian fans. The extremely skillful winger from Pune was a revelation at the recently concluded Hero Futsal Club Championship, vowing the crowd with his skills, goal-scoring ability and his two-footedness. A player who will be at peak confidence levels, Mali will be looking to carry his form from Delhi to Aizawl.

Rinraithan Shaiza: A young, energetic playmaker who will be playing in the middle of the park, Shaiza arrives at Aizawl to strengthen the midfield.

Lalhmunmawia: An experienced defender, Lalhmunmawia will be looking to become the backbone of the team in central defence. A defender who is superb at tackling, winning aerial duels, timing his interceptions and good with the ball at his feet as well, Lalhmunmawia will be looking to make a mark in the Hero I-League.

Dipanda Dicka: Another centre-forward who has come through this window, Dipanda Dicka has been in Indian football for a long time now. He has been crowned the Best Striker of the Hero I-League twice in his career and the Cameroonian will now be looking to make that a third time.

Willis Plaza: One of the marquee signings by Aizawl FC, Willis Plaza is a prolific goalscorer. He will be tasked with leading the attack for Aizawl FC and get them goals which will win matches for the Mizoram-based side. Willis Plaza has tasted the waters of several clubs in India, ranging from Mohammedan Sporting Club to Delhi FC most recently. He was a constant threat for the latter in the recently conducted Hero I-League Qualifiers and the management at Aizawl FC would be banking on him to repeat those dominating performances.

Bazie Armand: A player who will be counted on to become the centre-piece of the team, Bazie Armand is a defensive midfielder who has been through the rigors of the Hero I-league previously as well, having won it with Minerva Punjab. Hailing from Ivory Coast, the defensive midfielder will be looking to take this Aizawl FC side to the next level and provide the solidarity which they will need if the team from Mizoram want to mount a serious title challenge.

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The game between Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa saw the visitors draw first blood through Willis Plaza in the 4th minute. An unfortunate own goal in the 42nd minute from Hussain Eldor of Churchill Brothers FC Goa saw the equalizer for Aizawl FC. Aizawl then took the lead in the 87th minute through Kromah who made no mistakes in converting a penalty that he had earned for the team to wrap up the game with a win a few minutes later. Aizawl FC goalkeeper Lalawmpuia was adjudged the hero of the match.

The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizwal played host to the game between Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa. The hosts began the game in their traditional red kit while visitors Churchill Brothers FC Goa played in sky-blue.

Churchill started on an attacking note putting pressure on the home side right from the first minute. They were penetrating deep quite easily into the Aizawl FC defence and the results soon showed when Churchill Brothers FC Goa drew first blood as early as the 4th minute. Willis Plaza scored his 21st goal of the season through a beautiful cross from Nicholas Fernandes to take the scoreboard to 0-1 to Churchill Brothers FC Goa’s favour.

Churchill never really stopped attacking, thereafter, constantly trying to extend their lead, but full marks to Aizwal FC defenders Richard Kassaga and Govin Singh and goalkeeper for not allowing Churchill Brothers to score.

Aizawl FC looked settled by the half-hour mark into the first half and started creating chances through the combination of Issac, Lalrinchhanna constantly supplying to Kromah and Lalkhawpuimawia but Churchill’s defence was always on point disallowing the hosts to come close to any scoring opportunity.

Aizawl who were desperately looking for an equalizer finally managed to get an equalizer in the 42nd minute through an own goal from Churchill’s Hussain Eldor. What was interesting about this goal was the pressure that Aizawl FC created on Churchill’s defence when an outstanding cross from Lalrinchhanna to Lalkhawpuimawia was hastily interrupted by Eldor, but rather than clearing the ball safely, it ended up straight into the goal.

The game thereafter was an equal contest from both the teams bringing in a close to the first half with the scorecard reading 1-1.

The second half between Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa began with the hosts leading the attack to find a lead. Aizawl FC forwards Kromah and Lalkhawpuimawia kept the pressure up on Churchill Brothers but a combination of great defending and goalkeeping from the visitors ensured that Aizawl do not find a way to the back of the net.

Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, started with their attacks on the counter initially and found their way into the box as well, but lack of a good finish saw both the teams tied at 1-1 for a major part of the second half. Aizawl FC finally found their lead when Kromah made no mistake converting a penalty to hand Aizawl FC a 2-1 lead in the 87th minute.

Churchill Brothers FC Goa, thereafter, tried to restore parity but it was already too late. Aizawl FC, with this win, finished their 12th Hero I-League campaign in the 7th place with 24 points while Churchill Brothers FC Goa finished their campaign three places above with 34 points.

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Two games beginning simultaneously at two venues at 2 PM IST – one at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak stadium between local side Neroca FC and debutants Real Kashmir FC, and the other at Aizawl’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium between hosts Aizawl FC and Goan giants Churchill Brothers FC might see the league’s third place decided at the end of 90 minutes.

The larger battle across the two games is really between Churchill Brothers and Real Kashmir. The Goans are placed third currently with 34 points and will be ending their league campaign on Saturday.

Kashmir are a point behind in fourth, but with a re-scheduled game in hand against Minerva, will know that if they win on Saturday and Churchill do not, the third spot is secure and that would still qualify as a stupendous effort on debut.

It will certainly not be easy for the David Robertson-coached ‘Snow Leopards’, given Neroca are a proud team and are very strong at home, where they have lost only once in this campaign to Quess East Bengal, that too in their very first game over four months back.

Even in the first round clash at the TRC ground in Srinagar, Neroca ran out 2-0 winners over Kashmir, courtesy a brace by their premiere Nigerian striker Felix Chidi, who has found the back of the net seven times this season.

Kashmir have not won in three games, have been criss-crossing the country over the past 10 days and given the strength of their opponents, are in for a lot of hard work to cement third-spot on Saturday.

Churchill, on the other hand, will feel more confident if they can jog their memories back to the first-leg fixture between the two sides at the Tilak Maidan in Goa, where a rampant home side had overwhelmed Aizawl 4-1.

Under new coach Stanley Rozario however, Aizawl are a transformed and inspired side. They have picked up three wins in the last four matches and with the added incentive of finishing a spot above their current eighth position following a good result on Saturday, will be dangerous at home.

Churchill will bank heavily on the league’s joint top scorer Willis Plaza. The Trinidadian has had a phenomenal season and his 20 goals have been a masterclass in clinical finishing after a tough season last time around.

Both coaches Rozario and Churchill’s Romanian coach Petra Gigiu did not ooze confidence at the pre-match presser. While Gigiu was concerned about his players being tired after a gruelling season, the Aizawl coach had concerns on injuries and suspension. Both, however, promised a strong showing.

What will also please the Aizawl coach in particular, is the fact that in their previous two back-to-back wins, the team has scored seven goals and finally looked like gelling together as a team. Certainly, Saturday promises an exciting day of Hero I-League football.

Also Read: Joseph winner helps Gokulam steer clear of relegation

Also Read: Esqueda and East Bengal take title race to final day!

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Laldanmawia Ralte, Lalrindika Ralte, Brandon Vanlalremdika and Lalram Chullova have all been key players for East Bengal in the current Hero I-League, which can very well see the ‘Red and Gold’ lift the trophy – given Chennai City FC drop points against Minerva Punjab FC, and Quess East Bengal win against Gokulam Kerala FC.

After spending two seasons away, it was a homecoming for Lalrindika Ralte when he signed for QEBFC for the current season. The other three players joined the Kolkata giant in 2017 from former Hero I-League champions Aizawl FC, and this assimilation built a great bonding flavour in the Red and Gold camp.

While the Red and Gold dressing room has players is a wonderful symphony of cosmopolitan culture, the little chats or convenient interactions in mother tongue for the Mizoram players helps them to connect better. The hard work during training and the relaxed dressing room environment has shown its colours on the bright performance of the Mizo Brigade.

After an eight-match unbeaten streak, Quess East Bengal sit a point adrift of leaders Chennai City, with 39 points. With March 9 being the showdown, the Mizo Quartet will play a vital role to ensure Quess East Bengal FC success and lift the coveted I-League championship.

Also Read: Joseph winner helps Gokulam steer clear of relegation

Also Read: Esqueda and East Bengal take title race to final day!

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Second half goals from Ghanaian Daniel Addo and Trinidadian Marcus Joseph secured three points for the home side after Nigerian Felix Chidi had scored his seventh of the 12th Hero I-League, to give Neroca a lead in the first half.

The win takes the Gokulam side to the ninth place on the points table. They are just above Minerva Punjab FC, thanks to a better head-to-head record.

More importantly, this steers them clear of the relegation zone, as bottom-placed Shillong Lajong can now only equal the Kozhikode-based side if they win their last two games. However, Gokulam have a better head-to-head record with Lajong, and thus cannot mathematically finish in the drop zone.

Neroca coach Manuel Fraile made as many as four changes to his starting XI before the game, while his Gokulam counterpart Gift Raikhan made two from their previous defeat against Aizawl.

The game began at a slow pace. Daniel Addo had a toe-poke in the 11th minute and then there was an effort by Chidi for Neroca at the quarter of an hour mark which ballooned over.

Then Eduardo could not connect for Neroca effectively with his header, off a free-kick in the 17th minute. Gokulam’s Nigerian forward Emmanuel was then put through by Arjun Jayaraj, but Naocha Singh in the Neroca defence made a timely interception to thwart him.

Neroca were using the right wing very effectively and the goal eventually came from there when Malem latched on to a ball on the channel and made a run towards the box. Looking up, he spotted a run from Japanese winger Katsumi Yusa inside the box and delivered a perfect cross.

The Japanese failed to connect but Felix Chidi stabbed home for an easy finish. It was the Nigerian’s seventh goal of the campaign.

From that point on, Gokulam were stirred into action with Marcus Joseph being the catalyst.

He first attempted a snapshot on target in the 28th minute but it brought about a good save from Lalit Thapa in the Neroca goal.

Another one from Marcus two minutes later was even better and more powerful, bringing about an even better reaction save from Thapa. He then lined up a third shot in the 33rd, a powerful strike this time from outside the box, but Thapa was up to it again.

The Trinidadian pro-league top scorer then got at the end of a decent cross from the right from Irshad, but his free-header from inside the box lacked direction. In the 38th minute, Deepak put in a good cross on the overlap for Emmanuel to just connect and get the direction right, but he faltered on the latter part from close to goal.

Gokulam did get the equalizer, not in the first half, but as soon as the second begun. Marcus passed seemingly harmlessly to Daniel Addo in the center of midfield well inside the Neroca half. The former U-20 FIFA World Cup winning Ghanaian, trapped, took a touch forward and then looking up to spot the opportunity, unleashed a well-placed powerful right-footed strike to beat Thapa all ends up.

Bhutanese winger Chencho had a chance to get Neroca back ahead a few minutes later, after Malem had set him up inside the box but Arnab Das Sharma in the Gokulam goal came up with a save this time.

A minute later, Emmanuel rounded keeper Thapa, but missed the target from inside the box wide on the left. He failed to connect again a minute later after an Arjun Jayaraj cross found him. Thapa was equal to it again.

Gokulam were not to be denied their first win in an incredible 13 games and in close to four months though, as in the 82nd minute, Daneil Addo with the assist this time, found Marcus with a lovely ball from his own half.

The Trinidadian broke away, and with the ball on his favorite left-foot in a one-on-one with Thapa, placed it in the Neroca net over the keeper’s left shoulder. Yet another clinical finish and his sixth goal in his eighth Hero I-League game.

Also Read: Esqueda and East Bengal take title race to final day!

Also Read: Shillong-Aizawl face off in high voltage north-east derby

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The North-East derby kicks-off at 2 PM IST and the visitors will be looking to win this one and the next, to avoid the last two relegation spots, provided some other results in the league go their way.

The home side Aizawl are sitting in eighth spot with 18 points from as many games and with two wins in their last four games look safe for a mid-table finish.

They have picked themselves up and dished out some solid performances after the arrival of their new coach Stanley Rosario in the latter stages of the league.

Two players in particular, Liberian Ansumanah Kromah and local talent Mapuia have been the pick of their players and duo’s goals have helped the proud former champions form a more inglorious finish given a ragged campaign for most of the initial stages.

Speaking at the match-day eve Press Conference, coach Stanley Rozario said, “I am happy that I’m out of relegation. That is more important and so I came here and helped the team. We moved the team from bottom to up and qualified for Super Cup. Shillong Lajong is in the relegation zone and they will come up strong because they want points. Tomorrow’s match is very important for us as it is going to be a North-Eastern derby. I am confident about my boys. They will be taking the three points tomorrow.”

His counterpart Alison Khasyntiew of Shillong seemed to be well aware of the herculean task at hand but was full of hope during the presser sharing, “We have two games left in this league, one with Aizawl tomorrow and next game is home game with Mohun Bagan and if we win both these matches then we might be out of relegation. We have to work very hard tomorrow against Aizawl. Hopefully we will get the three points. Aizawl has been doing good. Last game they did well. Tomorrow it will be a difficult match for us and hoping for three points. In the home game we defeated Aizawl so I hope tomorrow we will be able to defeat them.”

The ‘home-game’ he referred to was the first-leg fixture between the two-sides back in October last year, where his young and talented side bereft of any foreigners or big name players had given the best display of their attacking potential in a 2-1 victory. A Mahesh Naorem Singh left-footed screamer had announced the youngster on the national stage on that occasion.

The youngsters have developed well during the course of the league and have scored 20 goals so far, just one less than their Monday rivals, however their inexperience have cost them in their defence, leaking a whopping 49 goals over the league period, to find themselves in the position they are today.

Alison was right. If Shillong can take inspiration from that game back in October, Aizawl can well be surprised again on their home ground.

Also Read: East Bengal deliver KO to Real Kashmir!

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