Aizawl's late goal denies Churchill Bros

AGENCIES
AIZAWL
Aizawl FC players and their fans had a perfect outing today as the Reds garnered full three points in their first home match of the ongoing Hero I-League 2017-18 season. The defending champions got the better of Churchill Brothers 1-0, thanks to the late strike by forward Yugo Kobayashi.
Although the Aizawl FC fans had to wait till the 88th minute for the goal, the game provided enough of nervy and heart pumping moments. William Lalnunfela, who scored a brace for Aizawl against Kingfisher East Bengal was the notable absentee against Churchill Brothers. Shylo Malsawmtluanga, the most experienced player in the squad again had to sit out today meaning he will have to wait longer to make his debut for Aizawl FC in I-League.
Churchill coach Mykola Shevchenko made three changes to his playing XI that faced Mohun Bagan in their previous match. Suraj and Israil Gurung took the field, while Karthik Govindswamy and Emuejeraye Precious were dropped.
Though Aizawl dominated possession for the better part of the first half, they could not create any clear-cut chance. An injury to David dented the home team as they lacked creativity and ideas in the attacking third of the pitch. The first half ended scoreless. After the hour-mark, the home side upped the tempo of the game and created several good chances but Yugo Kobayashi could not convert the chances that fell into his path. Just when Churchill thought they deserved a point from the game, Kobayashi scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute off Dodoz's pass. Churchill Brothers are still left empty-handed after three straight losses in the season.
The Goan team have to quickly shrug off the loss as they travel to Kolkata to play the high-flying Kingfisher East Bengal on December 16.