Cuttack: I-League champions Aizawl FC registered a 2-1 win over Churchill Brothers in a Group-A match of the Federation Cup football tournament at the Barabati Stadium here, Tuesday. The win took the I-League champions to six points from two games and assured them of a semifinal berth. East Bengal are currently the second-placed team in Group A with four points.
Lalram Chullova’s 21st-minute penalty strike for Aizawl FC was cancelled out by Ghanefo Kromah’s 84th-minute goal from the spot as well. But it was Laldanmawia Ralte who struck the winner through a powerful header in the 89th minute.
The match came to life in the 21st minute when Aizawl FC were awarded a penalty after Lalruatthra was brought down by Adil Khan inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Chullova stepped up and slotted the ball into the right corner to hand Aizawl FC the lead.
Syrian import Mahmoud Al-Amna formed a trio with Jayesh Rane and Bayi Kamo upfront and his presence and ability to take the ball into the final third gave Churchill defence a tough time.
It was not long for Churchill to test Aizawl FC’s defence, but the Mizoram side’s centre-back pairing held up to the task. Churchill enjoyed healthy spells of possession in the opposition final third in the second half but could not make anything out of it.
Churchill were awarded a penalty in the 84th minute and Kromah stepped up to score with confidence to make the scoreline 1-1. But Ralte spoiled Churchill’s party with the last minute strike.
PTI
