New Delhi: Newly-crowned I-League champions began their Federation Cup campaign with a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Chennai City FC on the tournament’s opening day in Cuttack on Sunday.
Charles de Souza put Chennai ahead in the 13th minute and the team doubled their advantage in the 39th minutes through Edwin Vanspaul. Mahmoud Al Amna began Aizawl’s turnaround in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit. Laldanmawia Ralte pulled the North-east team level two minutes after the hour mark and then stunned Chennai with a winning strike in the 81st minute as Aizawl coasted home.
Earlier in the day, East Bengal and Churchill Brothers played out a 1-1 draw. In a closely-contested encounter, East Bengal took the lead in the 65th minute through Wedson Anselme at the Barabati Stadium. Ghanefo Kromah equalised for the Goan team 15 minutes later.
The first half witnessed end-to-end action but remained goalless at half time.
Anselme broke the deadlock after he latched onto a through ball from Bikash Jairu and brushed off three defenders before side-footing the ball into the net.
Churchill upped the ante and a lapse in concentration enabled them to equalise, Kromah being the scorer.
Bengaluru FC take on Shillong Lajong FC while Mohun Bagan play against DSK Shivajians on Monday.
