Mizoram Premier League (MPL) match action between Mizoram Police and Aizawl FC. (Photo courtesy: Mizoram Football Association)
An action packed encounter worthy of a semifinal was played between two-time champions Aizawl FC and perennial challengers Mizoram Police FC on Saturday evening as both teams looked to seal their place in the final.
Both teams scored two a piece which sees the I-League club through with a 4-3 aggregate score.
After finishing behind in the first-leg, Mizoram Police responded brilliantly striking after only 8 minutes. And it was the same man who had given them a glimmer of hope in the first leg who struck again as Lalfakzuala received possession from the edge of the box to unleash a lethal strike into the top corner.
Their lead did not last long however as Aizawl FC reponded with Lalremsanga and Rochharzela combining for some brilliant football with the latter netting their equaliser.
Aizawl FC went on to take the lead 11 minutes later. Captain Alfred Jaryan’s fierce strike bounced off the post and the rebound went straight to K. Lalhmangaihkima who tapped it home brilliantly.
Knowing they need two goals for a place in the final, Mizoram Police FC came out guns blazing in the second period. They went on to find their equaliser on the 57th minute with R. Malsawmtluanga finding the net from a fine strike.
The goal gave them renewed impetus and Mizoram Police could have had a couple of more goals as F. Lalrinpuia, Lalfakzuala and R. Malsawmtluanga all missed very good opportunities.
Aizawl FC also threatened in the second half but Lalkhawpuimawia could not finish off his one-on-one with Mizoram Police goalkeeper Muanmawma late on.
Mizoram Police FC would rue their missed second half chances as their valiant second half effort was not enough to see them through to a place in the final.
Aizawl FC will now try to win their third MPL title when they face current champions Chhinga Veng FC on December 18 in the final.
Mizoram Police FC 2-2 Aizawl FC
(Aizawl FC win 3-4 on aggregate)
(M: Lalfakzuala 9′, R. Malsawmtluanga 55′; A: Rochharzela 16′, K. Lalhmangaihkima 28′)
MoM: F. Lalremsanga (Aizawl FC)