Aizawl hold Mohun Bagan to a goal-less draw in I-League opener

Hosts Aizawl Football Club held Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw in opening match of 13th I-League here on Saturday. season's inaugural game between two former champions had several moments of excitement but a goal eluded both sides in end. Both coaches, Kibu Vicuna of Mohun Bagan and Stanley Rozario of Aizawl, packed ir sides with midfielders, indicating a cautious approach to begin ir campaign.

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Aizawl hold Mohun Bagan 

Mohun Bagan had Suhair V P as lone striker upfront while Rozario played William Lalnunfela ahead of a six-man midfield. visitors pressed hard from get-go. Suhair's through pass to Julian Colinas brought up first chance of game in third minute and Spaniard's left-footed strike beat Lalremruata in Aizawl goal but went just wide. Suhair n got even better through ball from ngdamba Naorem in eighth minute but hit straight at Remruata who did well by coming off his line quickly to narrow down angle. 

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In 21st minute, Lalrosanga brought up a fantastic block to deny Fran Gonsalves with goalkeeper hopelessly out of position. Aizawl, however, started getting back into game from half-hour mark and just before break William Lalnunfela missed a couple of gilt-edged opportunities to put home side ahead. Mohun Bagan had begun strong but both sides certainly ended half on equal terms.

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Aizawl pressed on with confidence after break and Mohun Bagan's hopes received a blow with Naorem, who had given a good account of himself, being stretchered out. Mohun Bagan also made two more changes, bringing on SK Sahil and Spaniard Salva Chamorro to bolster ir attack but that move did t yield desired results. In a tribute to young Aizawl side's stamina, coach Rozario brought on his first substitute in injury time.  referee flashed his yellow card a few times in game but overall game was played in a competitive spirit.

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