Federation Cup: Laldanmawia Ralte's double strike seals Aizawl's victory over Chennai City FC

Laldanmawia Ralte struck twice as recently crowned I-League champions Aizawl FC erased a two goal deficit and register a 3-2 win over Chennai City FC on the opening day of the Federation Cup at the Barabati Stadium, on Sunday.

Goals by Charles de Souza (13’) and Edwin Sydney (39’) in the first half left the Aizawl outfit reeling but an inspired second half performance, including strikes from Mahmoud Al Amna (53’) and Ralte (62’, 81’) led the I-League champions to win.

The attacking intent from Chennai City FC was clear in the opening minutes that the southern outfit will not sit back and defend against the champions. Edwin Sydney’s shot in the early minutes struck the woodwork giving a clear intention of Soundaranjan’s team.

It was not long before Chennai City FC took the lead in the 13th minute when Charles de Souza bundled home his chance from inside the box. The early goal stunned Aizawl FC and the match was restricted to the midfield for some time.

Chennai City FC tried to break Aizawl FC’s well organised midfield and defence line but the opponents kept a tight shape. In the 39th minute however, things changed. Aizawl FC failed to maintain their neat line and tight defence shape and Sydney slipped through the gaps, only to side foot the ball into the back of the net.

In the 53rd minute Al Amna bombarded into the Chennai City FC box and released a first time shot from a cutback pass to reduce Aizawl FC’s deficit to make the scoreline read 2-1.

Nine minutes later, doing the impossible yet again, Aizawl FC equalised as Ralte’s header off a Jayesh Rane crossed left the opposition custodian bewildered, ending in the back of the net.

With the proceedings equalised and tempo on their side, Aizawl fostered chances to take the lead. Ralte scored again in the 81st minute to hand Aizawl FC the lead and snatch the match from the jaws of defeat.