Lalrinchhana’s goal hands Aizawl FC win over Minerva Punjab FC

Aizawl FC coach Stanley RAosario made three changes in the team as Rochhar Zela, Hmingthan Mawia and Mapuia made way for Ansumanah Kromah, Vanlalthanga and Lalrinchhana.

The first ten minutes of the match saw Aizawl FC players dominating the possession before Minerva Punjab FC made some attacks into the opposition half. Dilliram Sanyasi missed a tough chance off the cross from captain Juan Quero for Minerva Punjab FC. Aizawl FC came close to taking the lead in the 19th minute when Juuko Richard Kussaga’s shot from outside the box was collected by Minerva Punjab FC’s goal-keeper Arshdeep Singh. The next minute saw Alfred Kemah Jaryan getting past two Minerva Punjab FC defenders and floating a cross to Ghanefo Ansumana Kromah before Arshdeep Singh made a timely intervention to deny the visitors. The remaining first half saw Aizawl FC pressing hard to take the lead.

The second half saw Aizawl FC stepping up the tempo with substitute Isak Vanlalruatfela troubling the Minerva Punjab FC defenders. Minerva Punjab FC missed their defender Lancine Toure as Kussaga and Karewen Nurain made some fine attacks in Minerva Punjab half before goal-keeper Arsheeep Singh came to the rescue for the hosts. Vanlalruatfela’s move from the right flank in the 69th minute saw youngster Lalrinchhana scoring the opening goal of the match through a header for Aizawl FC. Two minutes later, Akash Sangwan missed an easy chance to score the equaliser for Minerva Punjab FC as his shot went wide. The remaining 20 minutes saw Aizawl PC dominating the proceedings and the visitors managed to hold the lead before the final whistle.