It was a fierce battle and, ultimately, Aizawl FC and Gokulam Kerala FC needed to accept a 1-1 attract an important I-League encounter on the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
Lalbiakdika helped Aizawl take the lead within the thirty first minute earlier than Gokulam Kerala captain Alejandro Sanchez Lopez scored the equaliser within the added minutes of the primary half. The strike helped Lopez turn out to be at present the only real high-scorer of the match with 10 objectives.
Heading into the match, the stakes had been excessive. A win for both facet would have proved crucial of their pursuit of the I-League title. However, neither workforce may achieve the higher hand. The draw meant Aizawl are in fourth place within the I-League desk with 18 factors from 10 matches, together with 5 wins, three attracts and two losses. The Malabarians occupy the sixth spot with 14 factors from 10 matches. They have received three video games, drawn 5 and misplaced two.
Aizawl seized the lead within the thirty first minute. The transfer was initiated by Lalthankhuma, who discovered Okay Lalrinfela on the correct wing with a via cross. Lalrinfela executed a misleading physique feint to outmaneuver a Gokulam Kerala defender and despatched a nicely-directed low cross into the field. Lalbiakdika timed his run completely, assembly the ball within the penalty space and scoring with a nicely-crafted shot.
Later, within the forty third minute, Aizawl had one other probability to extend their lead. Lalthanmawia took a shot, however as soon as once more, it was Paul who got here to Gokulam’s rescue with a diving save.
Gokulam Kerala responded with the equaliser within the added minutes of the primary half. They patiently constructed up their assault, stringing collectively a number of passes. The second of brilliance got here from Muhammed Saheef, who delivered a superbly curled cross from the left wing. Alejandro Sanchez Lopez showcased his eager sense of positioning by discovering a niche between Aizawl’s defenders, Ivan Maric and Laldanmawia, and leapt to move the ball into the web.
After the break, Aizawl began in the identical attacking vein however couldn’t threaten a lot. A big consider Gokulam Kerala’s efficiency was the efficient neutralization of Aizawl’s in-type striker, Lalrinzuala.
Despite being the league’s second-highest scorer with 9 objectives, Lalrinzuala struggled to make an influence. The Gokulam Kerala defence’s technique and positioning restricted his alternatives and affect in entrance of the purpose. Even although he tried to adapt by dropping deeper within the formation, Lalrinzuala was unable to pose a big menace.
The Malabarians, alternatively, settled into the match properly and created quite a few alternatives within the second half. But an alert Aizawl goalkeeper Nora Fernandes ensured that the scoreline remained 1-1.
