I-league: Aizawl hold EB in barren draw

Aizawl: Defending champions Aizawl FC and East Bengal played out a goalless draw in an entertaining I-League match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Tuesday.

Both sides created chances but failed to convert them and had to settle for a point each.

The game started at a high tempo as the hosts pressed for an early goal.

Liberian midfielder Alfred Jaryan’s shot flew just wide of the post and William Lalnunfela missed from six yards.

East Bengal grew in confidence and led by their Japanese medifielder Yusa Katsumi they looked dangerous in dead-ball situations.

Katsumi’s free kick rebounded off the cross bar in the 30th minute.

Jaryan came close on several occasions but it remained goal less at half time.

The midfield battle dominated proceedings in the second half as both teams struggled to cap their moves with goals.

Aizawl now have 14 points from eight games while East Bengal stayed second on the table with 18 points after 10 outings.

Aizawl next host Neroca FC on January 20 whereas East Bengal face Mohun Bagan in the much-anticipated Kolk-ata derby on January 21.

In Margao, Neroca defeated Indian Arrows 2-0. Arrows’ Anwar Ali scored an own goal in the 18th minute to give Neroca the lead before Felix Chidi struck in the 95th minute to sink the visitors.