Mizoram Premier League Roundup – Matchday 10

Chhinga Veng FC suffers their first defeat in a year. Round 10 of the Mizoram Premier League had a couple of other results which raised eyebrows. Bethlehem VT beating Electric Veng, Chawnpui doing a double over Chanmari, while Aizawl easing into a 4-0 win.

Aizawl FC show strength in depth

Aizawl FC showed strength in depth in their clash against Ramluhn North FC to run away with a 4-0 win.

After participating in their first I-League match, Aizawl had to focus on the MPL in less than 48 hours. This forced a host of changes to be made and give an opportunity to the fringe players.

Despite the change in personnel, Aizawl dominated from the start and broke the deadlock on the 31st minute when Albert Zohmingmawia slotted in a clever ball from Rochharzela.

In the second half, Zohmingmawia turned provider to allow Rochharzela to double the lead in the 48th minute. The third goal followed suit six minutes later. Lalhriatrenga scoring from a Lalruatfela freekick. Lalruatfela completed the rout by adding a fourth in the 82nd minute.

The victory puts Aizawl in the second position, while Ramluhn remains second from bottom with 6 points.

Mizoram Police halts Chhinga Veng’s unbeaten run

Chhinga Veng had been unbeaten since November 2017. The holders in a 26-match unbeaten run in all competitions and looked likely to extend the run.

Mizoram Police FC had other ideas.

R. Malsawmtluanga’s freekick was slotted in from close range by B. Zoramthara in the 6th minute to give the Police team an early lead. The champions hit back soon through MS Dawngliana seven minutes later to even the scores.

With the scores level, the Police team went out to look the winner with the introduction of F. Lalrinpuia and Lalbiakhlua. However, it was Chhinga Veng with the better chances to take the lead.

Goalscorer, MS Dawngliana, failed to beat Mizoram Police FC keeper Muanawma from a one-on-one situation. The goalie also produced brilliant saves from Lalromawia and Lalrinchhana.

Chhinga Veng was left to rue their missed chances when Police substitute Lalbiakhlua struck in the 80th minute, as the holders tasted their first defeat in a year.

Bethlehem Vengthlang shocks Electric Veng

Electric Veng FC suffered their third defeat in five games as they were beaten 2-0 by strugglers Bethlehem Vengthlang FC.

Unbeaten in their first five fixtures, Electric Veng has won only one game from their last five fixtures.

Bethlehem Vengthlang striker, C. Lalrintluanga, had struck the post early on. Electric Veng’s lackadaisical response resulted in Lalruatkima setting up C. Lalrintluanga to score in the 22nd minute to give Bethlehem Vengthlang a deserved lead.

Vannunmawia, Electric Veng custodian, was called into action in the second half when he parried an H. Lalhlimpuia freekick, while the rebound was not hit on target. Isaac Vanlalpeka then headed wide for Electric Veng FC while Vanlalremkima could not finish after being put through on goal.

Bethlehem Vengthlang FC took advantage of their opponent’s wayward finishing with Lalmuanzova scoring their second in the 69th minute.

A massive 3 points for the bottom strugglers, Bethlehem VT. For Electric Veng, the failure to pick up points could see them drop out of the playoff spots.

Chawnpui FC do the double over Chanmari FC

Newly-promoted side Chawnpui FC pulled a double over Chanmari FC with a 2-1 victory in the final fixture of Round 10 at AR Lammual.

In round 5, Chawnpui FC beat the two-time champions 3-1 win. They repeated the feat in the return fixture to keep their semi-final hopes alive, as they are hot on the heels of fourth-placed Mizoram Police FC.

Chawnpui star player, Vanlalthanga, gave his side an early lead on the 9th minute.

The former champions tried to take the game to their opponents in the second period but found it hard to find space as their opponents stood firm in defense. Chawnpui landed a sucker punch when Vanlalnghenga booted a ball towards Vanrammawia Ngente, who set up Jerry F. Zonunsanga for their second goal in the 61st minute.

Chanmari FC pulled one back on the 74th minute when MC Malsawmzuala turned in a freekick from R. Lalawmpuia. The goal added to a tense ending as Chanmari FC hunted for an equalizer while Chawnpui FC looked to hit their opponents on the break.

Chanmari FC has won just one of their last 5 fixtures.

Aizawl to face Chhinga Veng in Round 11

Aizawl will look to capitalize on Chhinga Veng’s first defeat when they face off in Round 11, while Mizoram Police will aim to consolidate their playoff position against strugglers Ramhlun North FC.

Electric Veng FC’s poor form will come under further scrutiny against Chanmari FC. Bottom-placed Bethlehem VT will up against Chawnpui FC, both teams needing 3 points to keep their interests alive.