Aizawl FC return to winning ways, AIFF U-19 play out another draw at Independence Day Football Tournament

A COMEBACK BROUGHT relief amongst the Aizawl FC faithfuls as the AIFF U-19 played out their second draw in a row at the Independence Day Football Tournament in Aizawl today.

The Champions of India started their season in a negative note as they went down 2-1 to Dinthar FC in their first game at the early season cup competition. But today, they played their first game in the presence of their new head coach Paulo Menezes and they looked a much better side that's recovering from early-season jitters.

They took on Ramhlun North in a Group A fixture at the Independence Day Football Tournament, and their formidable attack appeared to gave gained more fluidity in their movement today. Just about 20 minutes in, Rochharzela found the net, giving them the lead. Ramhlun North made immediate attempts to make a comeback but could not get an equalizer.

The second half began slow but soon Aizawl FC were imposing their will to control the flow of the game. Near the hour mark, their foreign sighing Kareem Omlaja scored for them from a penalty. It was his second goal in 2 matches for Aizawl FC. Minutes later, Lalliansanga got one back for Ramhlun North, making the scoreline 2-1. The rest of the game saw a tense back and forth between the two teams but Aizawl FC held on to register a victory.

Later in the day, AIFF U-19 team played Bethlehem Vengthlang FC aka BVT, a local club that surprised everyone by finishing at the top of the Mizoram Premier League table last season, before being beaten by Chanmari FC in the final. The first half went goalless but early in the second half, Vanlalthanga took the lead for BVT. AIFF U-19 managed to get back level only minutes later, scoring through another Mizo player, Lalawmpuia. The match remained competitive till the end and both teams missed chances before settling for a 1-1 draw.

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