Mizoram based side Aizawl FC registered their first three points of the campaign beating Minerva Punjab FC 1-0 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl. Mahmoud Al Amenah was the star for the hosts, marking his debut with the winning goal via a deflected shotin the dying minutes of the game.
The Syrian midfielder was the only change made by coach Khalid Jamil to the home side and it was a difference maker in the end. It was the home team though who looked the more dangerous of the two sides throughout the match, but were unable to go past the Punjab defense, who were resolute at the back.
Three points, a clean sheet and a victory at home for @AizawlFC #AFCvMPFC #HeroILeague pic.twitter.com/akDeRNDP4F
Al Amenah was a constant menace for the hosts, going within touching distance of scoring only to fall short. When he scored though it was a sight to beholdas his corner kick deep in injury time sailed into the net with substitute keeper Kamaljit Singh left confounded, the goal which deflected viadefender Loveday Okechukwu, was eventually recorded as an own goal.
The win against Punjab has ensured that Aizawl move to the top of the table while Minerva remain in sixth place on the league table with one point from two games played.Aizawl will play their next match too at homewhenShillong Lajong come visiting, whilePunjab will have the tough task of traveling to Rabindra Sarobar Stadium to take on Indian footballing giants Mohun Bagan.