Aizawl, March 24: Aizawl FC secured an exhilarating 3-2 victory over Chanmari FC in the Mizoram Derby of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Tuesday. Lal Dawngzuala was the standout player, scoring two goals and earning the title of ‘Player of the Match’.
Chanmari FC initially took a strong lead with goals from Malzawmsanga Renthlei and Jota, putting them ahead 2-0 by halftime. However, Aizawl FC fought back with a goal from Vincent Lalduhawma and two from Lal Dawngzuala, clinching all three points. With this win, Aizawl FC temporarily moved to second place with eight points from five matches, while Chanmari FC remained in seventh place with five points.
Chanmari started the match aggressively, forcing Aizawl FC to retreat and rely on counter-attacks. The home team exploited gaps in the opposition’s defense, applying early pressure with the speed of their forwards.
In the 18th minute, Chanmari took the lead somewhat fortuitously. Malzawmsanga Renthlei attempted to deliver a high pass to a teammate in the box, but it went slightly too far, appearing to be an easy catch for Aizawl’s goalkeeper, Vanlalheriyatuia. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper lost sight of the ball at a crucial moment, allowing it to slip through his hands and into the net.
After about half an hour of play, Aizawl began to assert themselves. Their midfielders found their rhythm, pushing the team forward. Nevertheless, Chanmari held firm, making it difficult for the visitors to break through their defense.
Just before halftime, Chanmari doubled their lead with a penalty kick, gaining full control of the match. Aaron Vanlalrinchhana made a clever run in the box, resulting in a foul by Rohmingthanga. Jota calmly converted the penalty, bringing the score to 2-0.
Six minutes into the second half, Aizawl capitalized on a chaotic situation in the box to halve the deficit. Chanmari’s goalkeeper, Jothanmawia, failed to handle a corner kick properly, missing two punches. Lal Talanzova seized the opportunity to bounce the ball back into the six-yard area. Eric Remruatpuia Changte’s first header was cleared off the line, and his second attempt was also blocked. However, the ball eventually fell to Vincent Lalduhawma, who made no mistake in scoring.
Aizawl took advantage of this momentum, completing a remarkable comeback just three minutes later. Substitute Lal Dawngzuala exploited Chanmari’s weak marking to score two excellent headers, turning the tide of the match.
The first goal came when Dawngzuala leaped highest to powerfully head in Lal Talanzova’s corner kick. Moments later, the same midfielder assisted again with a dangerous free-kick inside the box. The goalkeeper was caught out of position, allowing Dawngzuala to tap the ball into the empty net.
Frustrated by falling behind, Chanmari increased their pressure, particularly from the right flank. Lalruatsanga repeatedly sent crosses into the box, while Christopher Kamei posed a threat with set-piece deliveries. However, Aizawl’s defense remained resolute, thwarting every attempt.
During this sustained pressure, both Lalruatsanga and C. Lalmuanpuia missed opportunities to equalize, with their shots going wide. Later, Ruatsanga came closest to scoring, but in stoppage time, Vanlalheriyatuia made a spectacular save to deny him, ensuring Aizawl maintained their lead. Ultimately, Aizawl FC held on to their advantage, celebrating a thrilling victory in the ‘Mizoram Derby’.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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