AIZAWL (India): Aizawl FC held defending champions Chennai City FC to a 1-1 draw in the I-League here on Tuesday.
William Lalnunfela scored in the ninth minute, but Chennai City captain Roberto Eslava cancelled it out from the spot in the 40th minute.
Chennai started off well while Aizawl took a little time to settle down their captain Alfred Jaryan created their first major chance with an inch-perfect through ball released for William Lalnunfela, who scored from close.
Aizawl stayed on sixth with five points from four matches while Chennai remained seventh having four from three games.
In the 18th minute, Chennai got a free-kick outside the Aizawl box on the left and Katsumi delivered immaculately to his teammate but to Chennai’s dismay, the header didn’t find the target.
Chennai’s relentless attacks were on and Ajith Kumar, after receiving a pass from Eslava, launched a long shot in the 35th minute. The lung-busting effort just went a whisker wide of the post.
Katsumi Yusa earned a penalty owing to a handball by Paul inside the Aizawl box. Eslava stepped up to take the spot-kick and cancelled Aizawl FC’s lead five minutes to the end of the regulation time.
After resumption, Lalnunfela came close to regain the lead but shot wide.
In the 76th minute, Chennai earned a corner but the header from Ajith went wide.
Aizawl midfielder Rochharzela showed exceptional skill to run past Chennai defenders but failed to beat the goalkeeper. (AIFF)
