I-League 2017/18, Match 53: Aizawl FC vs Mohun Bagan, Player Ratings
The mid-week action continued in the Hero I-League as defending champions Aizawl FC hosted Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram.
The match saw the two sides who are in the middle of the I-League points clash as they aimed to rise high in the standings. Mohun Bagan began the game in the fifth spot on the table with 16 points from 10 matches played. Aizawl FC, on the other hand, is just one spot behind and a game less played, with 14 points from their nine matches so far.
Both the sides came into this match after contrasting results in their respective derbies as Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal in Kolkata whereas Aizawl FC lost against NEROCA FC at home.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw as both the sides battled hard to get the three points. After more than an hour of calm play, the match took an exciting turn when Aizawl opened the scoring through substitute Lalthathaga in the 73rd minute. Manandeep Singh got Bagan on level terms when he scored the spot-kick just five minutes later.
Aizawl FC
Avilash Paul (6/10) - The Aizawl keeper had a relatively quiet outing tonight as Mohun Bagan did not have many clear chances at the goal. He was comfortable in his collections from crosses and corners but conceded the penalty that allowed Bagan to draw level in the match.
C.Lalrosanga (7/10) - The young defender slotted into central defence on account of Kareem Nurain's injury and did well alongside Saighani. He was strong in his challenges and mitigated the threat of the Bagan attack well.
Masih Saighani (7/10) - The Afghan centre-back was a solid presence in the Aizawl FC defence as he kept the strikers in check with his physical presence. He was a constant threat during setpieces whenever Aizawl FC attacked the Bagan goal.
Lalhriatrenga (6.5/10) - The left-back for Aizawl FC was kept busy throughout the match as Mohun Bagan attacked from the flanks with Faiaz and Nikhil Kadam. He made some overlapping runs for the home side when he had the chance and also tracked back well to defend.
Alfred Jaryan (6/10) - The Aizawl skipper was a strong presence in the midfield as he covered a lot of ground for the home side. He made a lot of tackles and interceptions in the centre of the park. Jaryan was sent off in the 89th minute for a foul on Bagan striker Akram Moghrabi.
David Lalrinmuana (7/10) - David was a handy presence in the Aizawl midfield with his movement and passing in the middle of the park. He was assigned the setpiece duty for the home side and put in some really dangerous crosses and corners.
Albert Zohmingmawia (6.5/10) - The right winger for Aizawl had a good day in attack as he kept the Bagan defence occupied with his runs. He had a couple of chances cutting in from the right and was a constant option in attack for Aizawl.
Andrei Ionescu (6.5/10) - The Romanian midfielder played behind the striker Kobayashi and was constantly on the move across the pitch as he looked for good runs from players around him. He had a close chance when his shot hit the woodwork late in the match.
Leonce Dodoz (8.5/10) - The Ivorian winger was a lively presence in the Aizawl midfield as he was the focal point during any of the counter attacks by the home side. He won the ball in the midfield well and had many shots at the goal. He was adjudged the Hero of the Match for his performance in the match.
Yugo Kobayashi (6.5/10) - The Japanese striker played the target man ahead for Aizawl as he did well to keep the Bagan defenders on their toes. He held up the play well whenever Aizawl attacked and was a threat in the air
Substitutes:
Khawhlring Lalthathanga (7/10) - Lalthathanga proved to be a super-sub as he got the goal for the home side after coming on just before the 70-minute mark. He finished a chance off a cross from Dodoz in the box as his effort wasn't kept out well by Shilton Paul in the Bagan goal.
Shylo Malsawmtluanga (6/10) - Mama, as he is popularly known, came on for the final 20 minutes as Menezes made some attacking changes to his lineup in search of the goal.