Aizawl FC and Khalid Jamil are the champions of India after they drew 1-1 with Shillong Lajong in their last match, earning the point they needed to pip Mohun Bagan to the title.
Lajong took an early lead as Bipin Singh running down the left flank swung in an excellent cross to I-League’s top scorer Asier Dipanda Dicka, who made no mistake in dispatching it as the ball bounced off the underside of the crossbar and bounced out only to be ruled in by the linesman. Replays showed that the decision was right to award the home side a goal.
Soon, Zohmingliana Ralte’s frustration at having conceded boiled over as he was shown a yellow card for a cynical tackle. Kingsley Obumenne joined him in going into the book as he brought Dicka down as a free-kick was awarded to Lajong.
With the ensuing kick, Isaac Vanmalsawma almost scored as Albino Gomes palmed it away brilliantly to keep Aizawl in the game. At the other end, Kamo Stephane Bayi pulled off a backheel only to see it cleared off the line. As tensions boiled over, Yuta Kinowaki and Chinglensana Singh were shown yellow cards for Lajong.
After the break, Jamil went for broke by bringing young striker William Lalnunfela on, sacrificing a midfielder. Jayesh Rane had an easy chance to level things up but blazed over from 10 yards.
Aizawl finally got their equaliser when Lalnunfela’s glanced header off a freekick hit the Lajong post with Vishal Kaith in no man’s land. The young Mizo striker pounced on the rebound to send the Aizawl fans into raptures.
Bayi had a golden chance to seal the title for Aizawl when he was through on goal but could not only shoot it straight at Kaith. Singto then brought on Samuel Shadap and Fabio Pena to change the flow of the game.
Aizawl held tight and the game ended 1-1 to crown the Mizos the new champions of India.
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