I-League: William Lalnunfela scores two to rescue a point for Aizawl FC against East Bengal

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Kolkata, November 28: Aizawl FC held East Bengal to a 2-2 draw after a dramatic finish at the Salt Lake Stadium in the I-League on Tuesday.

Eduardo Ferreira (66th minute) opened the scoring for the hosts before Katsumi Yusa (72th) doubled their lead. However, William Lalnunfela (74th and 90+4) scored a brace to rescue a point for the defending champions.

East Bengal lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with goalkeeper Mirshad and defenders Mehtab Singh and Deepak Kumar making their senior national league debuts. Mohammed Rafique wore the armband as Eduardo Ferreira, Armand Bazzaou, Mahmoud Al Amna, Katsumi Yusa and Willis Plaza's inclusion made for an enviable foreign contingent for Khalid Jamil's side against his former team.

Paulo Menezes preferred William Lanufela to lead the line with Yugo Kobayashi. Avilash Paul had his first taste of the I-League since his Pune FC days and Alfred Jaryan skippered the side in a flat 4-4-2 system.

Willis Plaza squandered three opportunities in the first half. Mehtab Singh crossed the ball into the box for the Trinidadian, but Plaza was late to react as his first touch failed him in front of the net in the seventh minute. Exactly seven minutes later, the 30-year-old sent the ball straight into the hands of Avilash Paul. Plaza also hit the woodwork from 22 yards out from a solo effort and his showing in the box left a lot to be desired.

It was only around the half-time whistle that Aizawl got their first sniff on goal as Alfred Jaryan sent a header wide from a corner. However, the second half promised a goal-fest.

Avilash Paul was tested thrice around the hour mark. He was broken by Katsumi Yusa's corner-kick. Brandon Vanlalremdika nudged the ball from the take towards Eduardo Ferreira, and the former Mohun Bagan defender headed home, scoring on debut with his new club.

Another goal within six minutes sent the East Bengal fans into a frenzy when Paul could not judge the trajectory of the shot from Mohammed Rafique, which took a major deflection off Katsumi Yusa.

However, that joy was short-lived. Aizawl FC got one back two minutes later as William Lalnufela headed in the ball after Kareem Omolaja guided the ball towards the striker, who was unmarked from David Lalrinmuana's set-piece.

There was late drama to deny East Bengal three points, much after the stipulated injury time. Lalthathanga Khawlring's flag-kick triggered a goalmouth melee and hero earlier, Eduardo Ferreira, failed to clear the ball in front of him. Lalnufela was at it again as his left-footer found the back of the net, breaking the hearts of East Bengal fans.

Both Kolkata clubs now head into the much-anticipated derby on Sunday with draws. Aizawl FC next face Churchill Brothers at home on December 13.

Source: AIFF Media