I-League victory for Aizawl FC who edged out NEROCA FC 1-0

• Aizawl FC defeated NEROCA FC 1-0 in the I-League 2022–23’s sixth round.
• Akito Saito of Japan scored a header in the second half to give the hosts.
• Aizawl FC Ramdinthara moved up to sixth position in the standings after beating NEROCA FC.

On Thursday, Aizawl FC defeated NEROCA FC 1-0 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in a matchup of the I-League 2022–23’s sixth round.

Akito Saito of Japan, a defender, scored a header in the second half to give the hosts, who participated in more of the action, a victory.

Aizawl and NEROCA had the upper hand early on in the match. In the early stages of the game, the hosts had the majority of the possession but failed to create any scoring opportunities. In the sixth minute, R Lalthanmawia came the closest as the winger cut inside from the left, beating his defender in the process to shoot, but his shot fell short of the goal.

The game suddenly picked up steam halfway through the first half as Aizawl produced three consecutive chances. Lalthanmawia, playing on the left wing, evaded his defender in the 24th minute and crossed the ball inside the six-yard box for R Ramdinthara, who was unable to keep possession of the ball.

A minute later, K Lalrinfela on top of the penalty area received the ball from Lalchhanhima Sailo and rolled it back into Sailo’s path. However, NEROCA goalkeeper Soram Poirei Anganba stopped the midfielder’s strike.

Ramdinthara played Sailo on the right flank at the halfway point, and he crossed the ball for Henry Kisekka at the near post. However, the Ugandan missed with his header. However, after a foul on Aimol Reamsochung two minutes later, Jourdaine Fletcher was awarded a free kick. Although the Jamaican’s strong shot did shook the crossbar, it was insufficient to give him a goal.

Just one minute remained in the first half when Kisekka scored, but the referee called a foul before the Ugandan could celebrate because he had shoved NEROCA’s Thokchom James Singh in the process.

Following the restart, the hosts once more grabbed control of the situation, this time constructing attacks from the left. Two times inside the box, Ramdinthara had good chances thanks to fullback Zodingliana Ralte. The forward missed the goal with his header on the first attempt and failed to connect properly on the second.

Ramdinthara and Lalrinfela continuously advanced behind Henry Kisekka, which allowed his team generate numerous opportunities.

At the hour mark, Kisekka protected the ball and then passed it inside the 18-yard box to replacement Matias Veron. The Argentine fired, but the ball was deflected for a corner. Akito Saito, a Japanese defender for Aizawl, slammed the next Lalthanmawia set-piece into the goal.

In the last moments of the game, NEROCA launched several attacks, with Lunminlen Haokip coming near in the 89th minute. The People’s Club won three points after Aizawl’s Sailo fouled NEROCA’s substitute Tangva Ragui. Nonganba Singh Akoijam’s freekick reached Haokip close to the opposing goal, but the striker was unable to keep his shot on goal.

Aizawl FC now has eight points from six games, moving them up to sixth position in the standings after this encounter. NEROCA has six points from as many games, placing them seventh in the standings right now.

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