Mizoram Premier League Roundup – Matchday 6

Two second-half goals from Chhinga Veng FC assert their dominance in the Mizoram Premier League on Thursday. The defending champions held the challenge of newcomers Electric Veng FC as they sealed a 2-1 victory.

Chhinga Veng FC´s victory means that they are on a 23-match unbeaten run this season, which is one better than the record they set last season.

With a dominant first-half display by Chhinga Veng team, Electric Veng FC scored against the run of play in the 24th minute with the help of a freekick by Isaak Vanlalpeka.

The second half was one-way traffic as the defending champions applied relentless pressure right from the kickoff. Chhinga Veng got their reward in the 48th minute when Lalrammawia found the net from a corner. Six minutes later the lead was doubled through MS Dawngliana.

Electric Veng went on the hunt for the equalizer, however, the dominance of Chhinga Veng on the ball left little opportunities to find the equalizer.

Chanmari FC: Back to winning ways

A second-half goal from Mark Zothanpuia sealed the win for Chanmari FC, who had suffered consecutive defeats in the previous round, over the Mizoram Police team.

With several players facing disciplinary action following the last round, Mizoram Police FC made a host of changes.

Chanmari FC had the better chances as the game went on as Mizoram Police goalkeeper Muanawma had to be alert to save from Laldampuia while Lalnunzama was blocked by a last-ditch tackle from Ronald Zothanzama.

Mark Zothanpuia then struck early on in the second half with a precise freekick which gave Chanmari a much-needed boost.

The Mizoram Police team pressed for the equalizer, but with a handful of half chances, they failed to really test their opponents towards the end of the game.

Bottom-placed teams cancel each other out

Bottom strugglers Bethlehem Vengthlang FC and Ramhlun North FC battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw at AR Lammual.

With both teams on a point each before kickoff, they set out looking for a much-needed win right from the kickoff.  BVT struck first in the first half injury time when Laldinliana’s curler from outside the box found the net.

RNFC leveled the score in the 57th minute when Lalnunzama scored. BVT seized the initiative in the 63rd minute when Lalnunzama headed in a freekick from Lalchhuanpuia.

BVT´s backline could not hold a determined opposition and Ramhlun North FC equalized yet again through Lalliansanga on the 75th minute in an even matchup.

An entertaining draw, but the result did not do any favors for both the teams.

Chawnpui FC hold Aizawl to a draw

MPL newcomers Chawnpui FC held Aizawl FC to a 2-2 draw in the final match of round 6 of the Mizoram Premier League.

Chawnpui FC took a surprise lead against their I-League opponent through the David Laltlansanga scored in the 25th minute.

The lead lasted only 3 minutes, as F. Lalremsanga showed immense composure to put his side level at 1-1.

Aizawl FC pressed on for the lead and nearly took the lead, with Isak Vanlalruatfela and Rochharzela terrorized Chawnpui FC´s backline.

However, at the stroke of halftime, Chawnpui took the lead in outrageous fashion. A clearance from the Aizawl defense fell to him near the halfway line. A touch with his right foot and left foot strike took the Aizawl goalie Gurpreet by surprise.

After the break, Aizawl FC struck almost immediately through Lalkhawpuimawia on the 48th minute. However, he also missed a gilt-edged chance to give his side the lead.

The situation had gotten a lot harder when Hmwashanmawia was sent off for an unnecessary foul and reduced Aizawl FC to 10 men.  However, they held on till the end to see out the game.

Next stop: Serchhip!

The teams will leave travel more than 100 kilometers south of Aizawl as Round 7 of the MPL will be held at Serchhip.

The Mizoram Premier League has been played outside of Aizawl on two instances. Champhai hosted round 7 in 2016, while Lunglei entertained Round 7 in 2017.

On the 12th of October, Mizoram Police will face Chawnpui FC in the first match. The Police team is on 6 points, while Chawnpui FC will aim to retain their form to leapfrog their opponents in the table.

The next match will feature BTV against Aizawl FC. The I-League side will aim bag 3 points to stay in contention of the playoff spots. They are currently in 4th with 9 points, while Bethlehem is in 7th with 2 points.

The following day, Oct. 13, Chanmari FC and Chhinga Veng will take to the field. Chhinga Veng is on top with 16 points, while Chanmari FC is on third with 10 points. The unbeaten run of Chhinga Veng will create a daunting prospect for their opposition

Ramhlun North FC hope to haul themselves from the bottom place, as they have gathered only 2 points so far. The impressive run by Electric Veng FC came to a halt last week, which could provide Ramhlun North a glimmer of hope.

With a new venue and far away from the comforts of Aizawl, Serchhip could spring a surprise or two.