the goan I network
MARGAO
Aizawl FC notched up a narrow 1-0 victory against a 10-man Chennaiyin FC to move into the semifinals of Elite League (U-18) at Don Bosco Oratory ground, Fatorda on Sunday.
Aizawl got the first major chance to break the deadlock when Techi Tatra attempted a snap shot inside the box but the ball went just above the crossbar. Aizawl scored the winning goal in the 16th minute when striker R Lalthanmawia slotted past the rival goalkeepeer Prathmesh Honavarkar with a snap shot. Chennaiyn suffered a jolt in the 40th minute when their defender Mohammed Sarif Khan was red-carded by referee Jatinder Singh for deliberate hand-ball, which was his second booking.
Crossing over, Chennaiyn FC did not look a side with a man down and made many forays in the opposition box. However, Aizawl held onto their lead while also missing some scoring chances on the break.
Meanwhile, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan failed to progress to the next round after losing to Minerva Punjab in sudden death. The maroon and greens had their noses in front in the seventh minute through a goal by Anirban Das but a 75th-minute strike by Makan Chothe levelled the scores. The match went to tiebreaker where Minerva edged Bagan 6-5.
The first semifinals match will be played between FC Goa and Minerva Punjab on February 6, whereas FC Pune City and Aizawl will lock horns later in the day in the second last-four match.
