Komron Tursunov strike, Gope’s acrobatics earn TRAU 3 points against Aizawl FC

KALYANI: Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) scraped past Aizawl FC at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani, on Tuesday after a 5th-minute strike by Komron Tursonov, followed by some valiant goalkeeping by debutant and Hero of the Match Amrit Gope gave the Manipuri club their second win of the season.

Aizawl FC made two changes in their starting XI from their goalless draw with table-toppers Churchill Brothers. Head Coach Yan Law started Ramhlunchhunga and David Laltlansanga. TRAU, whose unbeaten run came to an end against RoundGlass Punjab made three changes, bringing in Naresh Singh, goalkeeper Amrit Gope and Brazilian playmaker Bruno Rodrigues.

TRAU, who have a reputation of scoring in the early minutes of the game, opened the scoring with Komron Tursonov in the 5th minute. Phalguni Singh tipped a loose ball in the path of Tursunov, and the Tajik forward broke into the area before sending a thunderous strike into the low left-hand corner.

Tursunov had a chance to double the lead in the 10th minute as he pounced on Laldinpuia’s error. However, his left-footed volley was high of Lalmuansanga’s goal. Aizawl had a chance to pull one back in the 14th minute when Ramhlunchhunga met a long throw, but his header was wayward and off-target.

Aizawl held most of the ball in the opening half, while TRAU were comfortable counterattacking. TRAU created another chance to double the lead, but Bidyashagar Singh’s dipping effort from outside the area was comfortably saved by Lalmuansanga.

Aizawl’s persistence in attack paid off and they won a penalty kick after a clumsy tackle from Shahabaaz brought down Ramhlunchhunga on the 39th minute. However, MC Zuala’s casual shot hit the post before being cleared by the TRAU defenders. The game suddenly opened up, entertaining fans with end-to-end action.

Aizawl FC returned in the second half showing great attacking intent and came close to equalise in the 49th minute. Lalliansanga received the ball after some good build-up play in the midfield, but his shot from a tight angle was swept away by the young TRAU custodian Amrit Gope.

Aizawl kept pushing for the equaliser late in regulation time and Lalliansanga’s deflected shot was well saved again by Amrit Gope in injury time. The best save of the lot came in the last minute of added time, as Gope tipped over Malsawmtluanga’s curler over the bar, and give TRAU the three points. (Picture & Report: AIFF Media)

POINTS TABLE (as on Feb.9, 2021)