I-league: Indian Arrows rally to hold champs Aizawl

Margao: Indian Arrows held defending champions Aizawl FC to a 2-2 draw despite trailing twice in an I-League clash here on Friday.

Arrows moved to 15 points from 16 matches and are eighth in the standings. Aizawl, who are out of the championship race, are now sixth with 18 points after 14 games.

Defender Masih Saighani put Aizwal ahead in the 40th minute. Winger Leonce Dodoz Zikahi netted their second in the 54th.

Arrows made it 1-1 through Edmund Lalrindika in the 48th. India’s U-17 World Cup team skipper Amarjit Singh then equalised again for Arrows in the 89th minute, converting a peanlty.

Arrows started positively and had an early chance to score when Lalrindika’s shot was blocked by Aizawl goalkeeper Avilash Paul.

Aizawl went ahead when Saighani controlled a long ball from the left flank and slotted it into the net.

Lalrindika responded for the Arrows, scoring with a curling shot after a neat run past a couple of defenders.

Aizwal hit back through Dodoz, who got the better of his marker and shot home from close range.

Aizawl ran out of steam towards the end as the Arrows pressed for the equaliser. They earned a penalty in the 89th minute when Aizawl’s C. Lalrosanga dangerously tackled Rahul K.P. inside the box.

It was his second bookable offence, reducing Arrows to 10 men. But that didn’t stop Amarjit from converting the resultant spot kick.

EB face Gokulam
In Kozhikode, title aspirants East Bengal will be aiming to ward off a stiff challenge from Gokulam Kerala FC on Saturday.

East Bengal are third in the standings with 26 points from 14 matches. Gokulam shocked Mohun Bagan in their last game and are ninth with 13 points from as many matches.

The red and gold brigade will be upbeat after beating Minerva Punjab FC 1-0 away in their last match.

Neroca are on top with 31 points from 16 games while Minerva are second with 29 points with 14 games, making the title race a three-team contest.

Chennai host Churchill
Bottom placed Chennai City FC host Churchill in Coimbatore on Saturdat targeting three pints in their relegation battle.