Indian Super Cup 2018: Aizawl FC vs Kingfisher East Bengal, Player Ratings
The first quarter-final of the Indian Super Cup was played between East Bengal and Aizawl FC in an all I-League encounter at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.
The former I-League champions Aizawl FC defeated current Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC in the pre-quarters when they won the penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation. East Bengal, on the other hand, overcame a challenge from Mumbai City FC winning 2-1 after being a goal down.
East Bengal won late in the match after Laldanmawia Ralte scored from the spot after Kromah was brought down by the Aizawl FC keeper Lalawmpuia. East Bengal will face the winner of Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa in the semi-final.
Aizawl FC
Lalawmpuia (5.5/10) - The Aizawl FC custodian had his task cut out as he was kept on his toes by the threatening East Bengal attack. He was unfortunate to concede a penalty late in the match that was scored by Ralte.
Lalram Hmunmawia (6/10) - The left-back had to deal with the dual threat of the pacey Laldanmawia Ralte and Samad Mallick on his flank.
Lalchhawnkima (6.5/10) - The experienced central defender who is on loan from ISL side Mumbai City FC played a strong defensive game as he marshaled the backline. He made many last-ditch tackles in the box as Aizawl managed to nullify the East Bengal attackers despite their constant attacking moves.
R. Laldinliana (6/10) - The hard-tackling right-back was kept occupied on the flank by the dangerous Katsumi Yusa and did not have many attacking opportunities.
C. Lalrosanga (6/10) - The defender had a busy evening as East Bengal side attacked from all quarters but Aizawl held on to a strong shape. He put in a lot of important tackles and kept the threat of Dudu in check.
Masih Saighani (6/10) - The usual center-back who has been deployed by Santosh Kashyap in the defensive midfield role was a strong figure in the midfield. He won a lot of crucial tackles and aerial duels as he did a good job at keeping the East Bengal side at bay.
Hmingthan Mawia (5/10) - The young midfielder moved all across the midfield putting in an incredible shift today for the Aizawl FC side.
Alfred Kemah Jaryan (6/10) - The skipper of the Aizawl FC side escaped early on in the match when his foul inside the box on Al-Amna was not spotted by the ref and the penalty was not given. He did a good job as the sweeper for the Aizawl side as they aimed to control the East Bengal attacks in the midfield.
Andrei Lonescu (5.5/10) - The Romanian midfielder was a positive influence in the Aizawl FC attack as he was the point man during the counter attacks for the Mizoram side. He had a couple of efforts as well on the goal but was unable to beat Ubaid in the East Bengal goal.
H. Lalmuan Kima (5.5/10) - The attacker tried his best to get into good positions beating the East Bengal defence but had a tough time today. He threaded in good balls across the midfield and did well whenever he was on the ball.
Zikah Leonce Dodoz (5.5/10) - The man up front for the Aizawl FC side was kept quiet by the well-organized East Bengal defence and did not have many attempts on the goal.