Cuttack: I-League champions Aizawl FC scripted a fantastic turnaround to come back from two goals down and beat Chennai City FC in their Fed Cup game at the Barabati Stadium here Sunday. Aizawl showed that their I-League success was no flash in the pan and that they will again give all the teams a run for their money in the days to come.
After Charles de Souza and Edwin Sydney Vanspaul had given the Southern team the lead with strikes in the 12th and 40th minutes respectively Mahmoud Al Amna (53rd) and Laldanmawia Ralte (62nd and 81st) ensured a winning start for Aizawl in the Fed Cup.
It was a match which gave the handful of spectators present at the Barabati Stadium their money’s worth. Both teams played free-flowing football and as a result both created a number of chances.
Chennai were right on the money as Edwin hit the post in the first minute of the game. Their attacking efforts bore fruit as Brazilian player De Souza hit the mark off a Nandakumar prompt. They continued to dominate playing possessive football and Aizawl looked a hapless side.
The Chennai side consolidated their lead when Edwin moved down the right, entered the opposition box and chipped the ball over an advancing Albino.
Chennai, started the second session also on an aggressive note. However, Aizawl caught them on the counter and Al Amna finished off a move with precision.
The goal rejuvenated the Aizawl side and they went all out in search of the equaliser. They got it when an unmarked Ralte rose above the opposition defenders to meet a cross from the right and nod home. With nine minutes left, Ralte off a Kamo Bayi prompt scored the winner with a stinging shot.
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