I-League: Aizawl FC look to bring back campaign on track

KOLKATA: Aizawl FC’s I-League campaign have been anything but impressive this season. After seven matches, they are placed eighth on the table. They have won two, lost two and drew three including the last game against debutants Sudeva Delhi.
However, the gap between the leaders and chasers isn’t much. Punjab FC currently lead the table with 14 points from eight matches while Sudeva, Aizawl and Chennai City are placed seventh, eighth and ninth with nine points each.
As a result, despite their below-par showing, Aizawl are still in the run for the second phase of the league. But to make sure they comfortably finish the first phase among the top-six, Aizawl will have to improve their performance starting with their next game against Mohammedan SC at the Salt Lake stadium on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of the match, Law, who was sacked as Mohammedan coach last year following fixing allegations, sounded confident of earning a victory against his former club. “Mohammedan have one of the best teams on paper, but football is played on grass, and we will do everything to get the three points,” said Law. “They are an attacking side, and we plan on keeping a clean sheet first, the goals from our end will surely follow.”
While Aizawl have disappointed, Mohammedan have also failed to perform to their potential and are placed fifth with 10 points from seven matches. The Kolkata-based outfit won two and drew four but then went down to Indian Arrows in their last tie and will be looking to turn things around at the earliest.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mohammedan manager Jose Hevia said, “We had the same problem we have had before lack of efficiency in front of goal. We had 24 shots, but we didn’t score. Yes, the final result against Arrows was not in our favour. But I believe the performance of the team was good, especially the way the players reacted after conceding the goal.”
Like their opponents, Aizawl’s troubles in the attacking third have been a cause of concern. They also have a new crisis in their hands as their defence mainstay Richard Kassaga is out with injury. “Kassaga suffered a serious injury, and it looks doubtful if he’ll be able to recover by the end of the I-league. It’s a big blow for us because his presence on and off the pitch is remarkable,” said Law.
Kassaga’s absence will surely be a worrying factor for Law but he does know a lot about Mohammedan which should help Aizawl grab their third win of the season.