I-League 2015/16 – Shillong fail to score again as North-East derby ends goalless
The first ever North-East derby played in Mizoram ended in a 0-0 draw, as Aizawl FC failed to convert their domination into a goal against a struggling Shillong Lajong FC side at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Thangboi Singto's Shillong have now failed to score in four of the six matches they have played so far.
Aizawl FC (4-3-3): Soram Poirei, Lalramchullova, Lalruatthara, Emma Chigozie, Ricky Lallawmawma, David Lalrinmuana, Yuta Kinowaki, Alfred Kemah Jaryan, H. Lalmuankima, F. Lalrinpuia, Albert Zohmingmawia.
Shillong Lajong XI (4-2-3-1): Vishal Kaith (GK), Aiborlang Khongjee (C), Yusuke Yagamata, Nimdorjee Tamang, Samuel Shadap, Boithang Haokip, Lalrammuana, Zodingliana, Pritam Kumar, Fabio Henrique, Penn Orji.
Aizawl FC made three changes to their starting lineup with Emma Chigozie and Albert Zohmingmawa replacing Lalchhawnkima and H. Lalbiakthanga respectively. H. Lalmuankima, who replaced Brandon VL Remdika, made his I-league debut against his former club Shillong Lajong.
On the other hand, the visitors made three changes as well, with striker Uilliams being dropped to the bench. Lalrammuana and Zodingliana Tochhawng made their first start this season in I-League, with Nimdorjee Tamang also getting a place in the lineup.
Home side Aizawl made a bright start to the proceedings with Alfred Kemah Jaryan having an early attempt on goal. Despite dominating possession and having more attempts on goal, Aizawl failed to find the finishing touch in front of the net.
The second half was a tightly fought affair, but neither of the teams created any clear-cut goal-scoring chances, and the match ended 0-0.
Aizawl earned their first point under their new manager Jahar Das, while Lajong's goal scoring drought continues, much to the worry of Thangboi Singto.