Team Herald
NAVELIM: A second half blitz by Aizawl FC saw them overturn a 1-0 deficit to win 3-1 in their All India Football Federation Under-15 Youth League game at Navelim ground, on Thursday.
Real Kashmir took the lead through Mohammad Arslan in the 31st minute before goals in second half by Lal Engkima (72nd), Malsawmtluanga Pautu (74th) and Ayush Dev Chhetri (87th) sealed a comprehensive victory.
It was a feisty encounter with both teams going tough into tackles and up for a physical battle.
The deadlock was broken when Real Kashmir’s Mohammad Arslan struck the opening goal. Arslan received a pass from the right before he mazed past two or three defenders and poking the ball into the net.
Aizawl were defending bravely till that point but they were undone by some well worked effort by Arslan.
Real Kashmir went into half-time leading 1-0.
Aizawl had a flurry of chances with Lal Famkima, M Pautu and Ayush Chhetri all coming close. The goalkeeper Puia conceded a penalty in the 60th minute when he stuck a high boot on Kashmir forward Adil Shabar as he was collecting a ball. The referee gave Puia a yellow and pointed straight to the spot.
Aizawl roared back into the game and scored two goals in the blink of an eye.
The first one saw Lalruatpuia float in a free-kick from the left and their captain Lal Engkima rose high to head home in the 72nd minute. They picked up pace and scored again just two minutes later. A move again from the left saw M Pautu score from close range as they made it 2-1 in the 74th minute. Aizawl sealed victory when Amos Lalrinnunga in the 87th minute.
