Aizawl start with a draw in Mizoram Premier League

KOLKATA: Defending champions Aizawl earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Chinnga Veng in the eighth edition of the Mizoram Premier League at Lammual Stadium in Aizawl on Friday.


After the match was delayed due to heavy rain, Aizawl began well and took the lead when Isak Vanlalruatfela scored in the 27th minute.

But with two minutes remaining in the first half, Chinnga Veng equalized as MC Malsawmzuala converted from the spot.

On the other side of the lemon break, Chinnga Veng kept up the pressure on the three-time champions and were duly rewarded when they won a free-kick midway into the second half. Malsawmzuala took a low shot and the ball ricocheted off the wall and into the right side of the net.

With the score reading 2-1, Chinnga Veng were more than happy to defend their lead as Aizawl went all out in search of an equalizer. But with nothing going their way, the players seemed to lose the plot as the match went into extra time.

However, with seconds remaining on the clock, Joe Zohera floated a long ball from the right into the box and Lalramhmunmawia jumped away from the defenders and headed the ball into the goal. Chinnga Veng goalkeeper dived on his right but couldn't keep the ball out as the Aizawl players and fans went into frenzy.

Earlier in the day, Mizoram Police beat Chawnpui 2-1 in the second match of the tournament. For Mizoram Police, F Lalrinpuia and Lalhmunmawia scored in the 14th and 49th minute while C Lalremruata scored the lone goal for Chawnpui in the 74th minute.

In the last match of the day, Chanmari beat Ramhlun North 3-1. Lalmuankima, Lalnunzama, and MS Dawngliana scored for Chanmari while Jessy Vanlalmuana scored the only goal for Ramhlun North in the 44th minute.