MPL 2017: Aizawl FC held to a 1-1 draw by Ramhlun North FC in local league opener

THE SIXTH EDITION OF Mizoram Premier League got off to a tight start today with Ramhlun North FC holding national champions Aizawl FC to a draw.

Ramhlun North, who came into the game as underdogs, started out with repeated attacks and got the break through early in the 12th minute when Lalliansanga found the net. Aizawl FC focused on counters to try and get themselves back in the game, with Jonathan Lalrawngbawla finally making it even just after the half hour mark.

Going into the second half on a 1-1 scoreline, both clubs went hard looking for the win but could not go past each others' defenses. The match ended with points being split.

This result will not do much to lift the concerns surrounding Aizawl FC, who don't appear to have the steam they displayed during last season's I-League where they earned the title of Champions of India. In the summer, a number of their prominent players left the club to play for other top division clubs or ISL franchises.

Paulo Menezes, the new Portuguese coach that Aizawl FC have brought in following Khalid Jamil's departure, will have a job in his hand now to make this club live up to its previous season's reputation in the top flight league as well as the Asian club tournaments AFC Champions League and AFC Cup. He is likely to have a significantly different squad once the I-League season kicks off in November, but the MPL is important for the club for local bragging rights and getting their domestic signigns up to speed before they play in the big league.

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