Aizawl beat Churchill 3-1, to remain third in I-League (Lead, correcting second para)

Aizawl FC registered a 3-1 come-from-behind victory against Churchill Brothers to remain at the third spot in the I-League football championship here on Friday.

Aizawl, having played eight matches so far, are third with 16 points -- same as second-placed Mohun Bagan but behind on goal difference, although the Kolkata powerhouse has played six matches.

Churchill remain rooted to eighth after mustering just five points from eight matches. East Bengal have a three-point gap at the top.

Both teams started the match on a good note, but in the 8th minute, Kromah and Anthony Wolfe combined well to weave past the home defence. However, they failed to put the finishing touches to it.

Jayesh Rane continued his good form in midfield for the Highlanders, dictating play. In the 22nd minute, the former Mumbai FC man had a chance inside the box but he shot wide.

Aizawl looked the more adventurous of the two teams creating more opportunities.

But against the run of play, the visitors took the lead when Zohmingliana Ralte fouled Wolfe inside the box handing the rivals a penalty. Striker Ansumana Kromah converted from the spot in the 33rd minute.

In the second half, midfield mainstay Mahmoud Amnah was brought in to change the fate of the game by Jamil.

Amnah's influence seemed to work as Aizawl won a penalty after hour mark when Asutosh Mehta was found guilty inside the box. Lalramchullova made no mistake from the penalty spot and scored in the 62nd minute.

The tables completely turned in favour of the hosts when Kamo found the top corner wih aplomb from a Rane pass, beating Meldon D'Silva with his touch.

There was more embarrassment in store for Churchill as keeper Naveen Kumar's gaffe cost them an own goal which was given to Nongkhlaw.

--IANS

dm/gau/dg