XtraTime Web Desk: Quess East Bengal to return empty-handed from Aizawl after a dramatic game which ended 3-2 in favour of Aizawl FC. A genuine goal for East Bengal was denied and that could create some serious controversies.
It was a dramatic and controversial first half, as a clear East Bengal goal was denied when Chullova’s direct free-kick in the 40th minute rattled the frame of the goal and bounced at least two yards inside the goal. East Bengal players too were animated in demand of a goal while Acosta and Esqueda were still fighting for the ball before Gurpreet pounced on it, but it was a goal already.
It was Aizawl though who took the lead in the 25th minute when Dodoz slotted it at the back of the net after the ball took a couple of touches in the box. Albert’s ball in the box first headed to Kromah on the far side on the left who set up Lalrinfela. Lalrinfela’s shot is saved by Ubaid and that’s where Dodoz capitalises from the rebound. It was Johnny Acosta who made the initial mistake when he thought Kromah was offside and was late to react.
The equaliser had arrived for East Bengal in the 63rd minute when Jobby’s brilliant header from a perfect delivery through a Chullova free-kick in the Aizawl box made it 1-1.
In the 71st minute East Bengal made it 2-1 when Borja bundled the ball at the back of the net after initial attempts by Esqueda and Aidara from Chullova’s flag-kick.
Aizawl crawled back into the game in the 73rd minute of the game through a scrappy goal. Joe Zoherliana claimed it amid a goalmouth melee after Ubaid failed to collect David Lalbiakzara’s corner that was a result of David Lalrinmuana’s teasing floater in the area.
The Highlanders scored a phenomenal goal in the 83rd minute to make it 3-2. It was a superb first time volley at the back of the net by substitute Lalkhawpuimawia after he was found by an inch perfect cross from the left by Dodoz.