The race for the I-League 2016-17 title will go down to the wire with Aizawl FC returning to the top of the table on the back of a superb away performance at the home of Goan club Churchill Brothers.
This season’s surprise package, Aizawl FC made a return to the top in style as they swept the former national champions aside 3-1 in a quality show at the Tilak Maidan.
The home team started well as Aizawl’s goal was threatened as early as the fourth minute, as a header almost surprised Albino Gomes in the away goal, only to be saved by the post.
Aizawl responded in style as Kamo Stephane Bayi ran free of Adil Khan to sweep the ball home under the grasp of Churchill custodian Naveen Kumar. Churchill tried to respond with Chesterpaul Lyngdoh going wide but Khalid Jamil’s men held firm to take their lead into half-time.
The Mizo men started the second half in a roaring fashion as Brandon Vanlalremdika sliced open the home defence with a sumptous pass, as Kamo got his second on the night.
Albino did really well again as Adil’s shot tested him but he kept Aizawl’s two-goal lead intact. Churchill finally had a lifeline as Ansumana Kromah and Anthony Wolfe combined superbly to find substitute Anthony De Souza who put the chance away.
Churchill’s joy was short-lived as Jayesh Rane’s pass found Laldanmawia Ralte who scored past Naveen Kumar to seal the points for the away team. With this win, Aizawl have 33 points from 16 games, three ahead of Mohun Bagan who are three points behind with a game in hand.