Aizawl FC took a giant step towards a fairy-tale I-League title triumph with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan in Aizawl on Saturday. In an edgy match characterised by rain and fog, Zohmingliana Ralte scored a bullet header to give Aizawl to win.
Mohun Bagan had two clear chances in the first half with both coming from the boot of Daryll Duffy. In the 3rd minute, he had a chance which Albino Gomes kept out with a brilliant save. Twenty minutes later, Katsumi Yusa set up another golden opportunity for Bagan with a perfect cross to Duffy in front of goal but he hit it straight at the keeper as the match stayed goalless.
Aizawl FC grew into their own in the second half with a flurry of chances. Bayi Kamo and Mahmoud Al Amna had several chances but Bagan’s defence held on grimly. Prabir Das’s introduction for Azharuddin Mallick finally gave Bagan some potency as he set up a good ball for Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 76th minute who couldn’t connect and then swung in a good cross.
But it was Aizawl FC who had the final say in an incredible victory. In the 83rd minute, Amna swung in the perfect corner kick towards the far post and Zohmingliana Ralte fought off his defender beautifully to direct it inside goal with a bullet header.
The victory means Aizawl FC are in pole position to win the title on the last matchday on April 30 when they take on Shillong Lajong while Bagan will play Chennai City FC in the same day.
Scores:
Aizawl FC 1 (Zohmingliana Ralte) beat Mohun Bagan 0