I-League: Loss to Bengaluru puts a dent in title hopes for Aizawl FC
As the I-League resumes after the international break, fans are anticipating if Aizawl FC can retain the momentum and keep grinding out wins. Aizawl played away to Bengaluru and lost by a lone goal to the defending Champions.
The match between the two was a highly anticipated one with bad blood between Aizawl FC coach Khalid Jamil and Bengaluru FC. Drama had ensued a few seasons ago when Jamil was head coach of Mumbai FC. His theatrics remain unforgiven by Bengaluru fans who continued to boo him.
The much heated game was relatively evenly matched and it took a goal in the dying minutes of the game to ensure the home side walked away with all 3 points. The 94th minute goal by Serbian Marjan Jugovic puts a dent in title plans of the Northeast side who after 15 games have 30 points.
This is nervy times and fans will hope Aizawl do not choke under pressure. With Mohun Bagan winning the Bengal derby last night, they are also now very serious contenders for the title. They now have 29 points with a game in hand while Kingfisher East Bengal have 27 points.
Aizawl will next meet Churchill Brothers in the away match in Goa. Aizawl have had amazing home form and they will hope to translate this form into their away matches as well.
The other Northeast side in the I-League Shillong Lajong won the match against DSK Shivajians which was played over the weekend. The five goal thriller saw the visitors take all 3 points and with the win they now have 23 points from 14 matches.
This is the best the Shillong side has done since their entry into the I-League. They will hope to retain the momentum and finish in the top 4. Goals from Issac Vanmalsawma and Samuel Lamuanpuia saw the visitors go 2-0 up but the home side brought their A game as Milan Singh and Pranjal Bhumji scored to put the score at 2-2.
However, Lajong fought hard until the dying minutes of the game with Redeem Tlang scoring at the 93rd minute. Shillong Lajong are comfortably on fourth and with just a handful of matches left, it really could be anyone's game. Lajong also have a game in hand, however, their next two matches are against powerhouse Mohun Bagan who they play on Wednesday followed by a match against defending Champions Bengaluru FC.
Both matches are at home so they will count on their home support as fans will throng to see them play just as they do at every game.
(TNT News)
Image: Goal.com
