I-League 2015/16: Osano header helps Bengaluru edge Aizawl in close encounter

Amlan Majumdar

ByAmlan Majumdar,SportsCafe Editor

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Defender Curtis Osano’s 27th minute header was the difference between the two teams in the inaugural I-League match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl as Benglauru FC made it two wins in two to go top of the table.

Bengaluru FC : Lalthuammawia Ralte; Rinto Anto, Curtis Osano, John Johnson, Keegan Pereira, Thoi Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Udanta Singh, C.K. Vineeth, Kim Seng-yong, Sunil Chhetri

Aizawl FC: Soram Poirei Anganba; Lalramchullova, Lalruatthara, Lalchhawnkima, Ricky Lallawmawma; David Lalrinmuana, H. Lalbiakthanga, R. Malsawmtluanga; Lalbiakhlua, Alfred Kemah Jaryan, Brandon VL Remdika.

Bengaluru FC Ashley Westwood made one change to the team that took on Salgaocar in the opening wood by bringing in Manipur youngster Udanta Singh for 18-year old midfielder Malsawmzuala. Playing at home for the first time in the I-League, Aizawl started the match in an attacking fashion with the Bengaluru FC defence facing the might of the home side’s forwards in the initial minutes.

The Federation Cup champions slowly came into the game with Sunil Chhetri and C K Vineeth displaying nice combinations down the right. But it was Aizawl, who had the first big chance of the game with David Lalrinmuana’s strike testing the Bengaluru goalie. However, the away side went ahead in the 28th minute with Defender Curtis Osana heading the ball into the Aizawl net after a free-kick from Keegan Pereira. Even though Bengaluru had the lead, it was Aizawl that dominated the possession by keeping the ball majority of the time.

With the team in the lead, Ashley Westwood brought in defensive midfielder Malsawmzuala for Udanta Singh in the second half. Just like the first half, Aizawl played the better football in the second half and came close to the Bengaluru FC goal, only to miss it in the last moment. With Aizawl in the ascendancy, Bengaluru opted to sit back and hit on the counter rather than going for the second goal. The 2013-14 I-League champions held their nerves in the final ten minutes to scrape through with a 1-0 win against a spirited performance from the Aizawl side.  

(Read: I-League 2015/16: Mohun Bagan ease past hapless Salgaocar to top spot)

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