Sri Bhaini Sahib, February 27 – The inaugural season of the newly named Indian Football League (IFL) kicked off on Friday with the former I-League champion, Aizawl FC, and the hosts, Namdhari Sports Academy, splitting the points after a 1-1 draw at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib, Haryana.
Vanlalhriatzuala scored for the former champions in the 43rd minute of the first half, putting Aizawl ahead, but Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo restored parity in the sixth minute of added time, ensuring that the Punjab side secured a point in the Division Two season opener. This was the second draw in five encounters between the two sides, with Aizawl currently leading 2-1.
Aizawl coach Lalruatfela started the match with a midfield packed with players, leaving Zomuansanga as the lone striker upfront, indicating a clear intention to exploit the wings. Namdhari coach Harpreet fielded a regular 4-4-2 formation, with Lamine Moro as the captain in defence, along with Francis Addo and Najeeb Ibrahim in midfield.
The People’s Club were quicker off the mark and had their first shot at goal as early as the fourth minute. Laldawngzuala, the Aizawl right-back, made several forays upfield and sent some good crosses, keeping Namdhari goalkeeper Nishan Singh busy.
Aizawl had a good chance when Vincent Lalduhawma found Omoma clear at the top of Namdhari’s six-yard box, but his shot was too weak to trouble Nishan.
Hriata then scored just two minutes before half-time, when what initially looked like a harmless shot from Dawnga glided across the goal to find the former in acres of space. The diminutive midfielder quickly unleashed a right-footed curler that beat Nishan and found the back of the net.
Coach Harpreet brought in Bhupinder Singh in place of forward Jaskaranpreet Singh after the half-time break to bolster his midfield. Despite this move, Aizawl got their first good chance after the break when Zozoa’s controlled shot was saved by Nishan.
Harpreet then brought on Diallo in place of Najeeb in the 59th minute. Namdhari continued to press harder, resulting in the first cautions, with captain Moro being booked in the 81st minute, followed by Aizawl's Hriata in the 86th minute. Earlier, Namdhari coach Harpreet had received the first yellow card of the match.
With six minutes added on after the regulation 90, Namdhari almost equalized when Diallo got through in the box and, with only the goalkeeper to beat, lobbed the ball over him and the crossbar.
Diallo, however, would not be denied, as in the final minute, a snapshot from Lotjem hit the left upright and came back for the Senegalese to tap it in, thus saving the day for the hosts.