New Delhi: Real Kashmir football team beat Aizwal Football Club (FC) by 3-2 in their first match of I-League 2021-22 in Kolkata on Monday.
The match began with Ayush Chhetri of Aizwal FC receiving a pass from the corner in the 7th minute. Chhetri’s long-range hit went wide off-target. Two minutes later, Real Kashmir received a corner, and Surchandra Singh sent the ball in the box while striker Tiago Adan gave the team a 1-0 lead.
Aizwal FC received a penalty in the 29th minute, but skipper R Malsawmtluanga failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Though Aizwal FC enjoyed the possession throughout the first half, they failed to create enough scoring chances. However, Lalthakima Ralte latched out a cross edge on receiving the third corner and equalised scores at the 39th minute.
Surchandra’s shot to Mason Robertson was saved by FC goalkeeper Lalmuansanga Lalmuansanga. Meanwhile, Tiago attempted a rebound and struck another net during the closing moments of the first half. Real Kashmir was leading by 2-1.
The second half began with Aizwal in possession of the ball, whereas the opponents kept attacking. As they tried equalising the scores, Robertson of Real Kashmir snatched the ball, headed a corner, and scored a goal for the team in the 66th minute.
In a shocking move, Aizwal’s Ramhlunchhunga successfully scored from outside the box at the 85th minute and finalised the scores 3-2 at the close of the second half. Tiago Adan became the star performer of the match.
(Avya Mathur)