Mizoram Premier League 2019: Semifinal 1st Leg Roundup

After two tight contests, Aizawl FC has a slim advantage over Chanmari FC in the two-legged semifinals of the Mizoram Premier League. Chhinga Veng FC and Electric Veng FC play out a goalless draw.

FC Venghnuai dominate Kanan FC over two legs to stake their claim to qualify for the 2020 edition of the Mizoram Premier League. 

Aizawl FC take a slender one-goal advantage into 2nd leg

FULL TIME: Aizawl FC 1-0 Chanmari FC
Aizawl FC: (Isak Vanlalruatfela 71′)

The first semifinal between the former champions of the Mizoram Premier League ended in favor of the holders. Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC faced off at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Mualpui.

In a cold, Tuesday night at Aizawl there were few clear-cut chances in the first 45 minutes. The best opportunity fell to Chanmari FC defender Lalrinchhana whose effort went wide.

With the start of the I-League, Aizawl FC is in the midst of a busy schedule with five matches in a space of 11 days. Understandably, Stanley Rozario opted to rotate his squad.

Aizawl FC improved after the break as they were able to turn possession in goal threats more often than in the first period.

Rochharzela missed a good chance before Lalnunzama came close at the other end for Chanmari FC.

The match-winning goal was scored in the 71st minute. Isak Vanlalruatfela was put through by Lalramhmunmawia and his finish from an angle found the net.

Chanmari FC nearly leveled the scores late in the game but MS Dawngliana could only finish wide in a swift counterattacking move.

The two teams will play the return leg on December 11.

Stalemate between the Vengs

FULL TIME: Chhinga Veng FC 0-0 Electric Veng FC

Chhinga Veng and Electric Veng played out a goalless draw in the first leg of the semifinal of the Mizoram Premier League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.

The first meeting between the two had ended 2-1 in Chhinga Veng’s favor, while Electric Veng won the return leg 3-1.

In a cagey match, Chhinga Veng had the first sight on goal with Thasiama testing the goalkeeper.

Electric Veng responded with a move involving Lalruatfela and Ramhlunchhunga, but the scoreline remained the same.

The best chance in the second half fell to Malsawmdawnga, the forward upon receiving the ball from Lalmawizuala could not finish past the Electric Veng goalkeeper, Malsawndawngliana.

At the other end, Chhinga Veng goalkeeper Dharminder Guru had to keep out attempts from Ramhlunchhunga and Jacob Lalrawngbawla.

At the final whistle, both teams will go into the break knowing that the second semifinal on the 10th of December will require an improved showing.

FC Venghnuai to stay in the MPL for the next season

FC Venghnuai will continue to feature in the Mizoram Premier League club following a 5-1 aggregate victory over Kanan FC in the two-legged playoffs.

After a seventh-place finish in the league, Venghnuai had the opportunity to earn their spot for the next season.

Two goals in the first half from the boots of JH Lianzuala (8’) and Laldampuia (37’) secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg for Venghnuai at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.

Kanan FC’s hopes of a comeback in the second leg at Lammual started on the wrong foot. JH Lianzuala was on target again to give Venghnuai the lead as early as the 3rd minute.

Isak Vanlalpeka’s strike in the 31st minute to take the aggregate score to 4-0 effectively put the tie beyond the reach of Kanan FC players.

Joseph Lalvenhima pulled one back for Kanan FC three minutes later from the penalty spot.

With three goals required in the second half, Kanan FC’s challenge disintegrated when Vanlalthanga made it 3-1 (5-1 aggregate) in the 69th minute.

This is the second year in a row where Kanan FC failed to qualify in the promotion playoffs. Last season, they lost to Ramhlun North FC – the team that was relegated this season.

With this result, the teams for next season’s Mizoram Premier League are as follows:
Aizawl FC, Chanmari FC, Chawnpui FC, Chhinga Veng FC, Electric Veng FC, Mizoram Police FC, FC Venghnuai and the newly-promoted FC Bethlehem.